August 17, 2019 - Stipe Miocic is fighting for the UFC Heavyweight Championship title against Daniel Cormier on Saturday, August 17, at the UFC 241 in Anaheim. The spectacle kicks off on Sunday at 6:00 am Croatian time.
The famous mixed martial artist with Croatian roots has finally been given a rematch against the American, who knocked him out in the first round last July in Las Vegas. The eventual victory at the UFC 241 would lead to Stipe's fifth title, which would further solidify his status as the best heavyweight in UFC history.
Amidst the craziness before the big UFC spectacle, Stipe telephoned Index.hr from Anaheim, the Californian city where he has the chance to make history.
"I'm glad you are coming, it's always nice to have someone from Croatia in the hall," Stipe said after the opening address.
The favorite Croatian fighter learned back in May that he would again fight Cormier for the highly anticipated rematch.
"I'm feeling much better now than last time. I've had great training, I've surrounded myself with the best people, and I'm fully prepared for Saturday. Cormier is a dangerous guy, but I'm even more dangerous and I have no doubt about my victory. I know everything I did wrong last time against him, but I'll keep it to myself. Basically, I have to take a lot more care of myself, keep my distance and keep an eye on my hands,” said Miocic.
The bookies, however, do not share Stipe’s opinion, as the odds on his win drop as the fight nears.
"Let go of the bookies; they are there to tear you down!” Stipe expressed.
The most anticipated fight this year will be watched by thousands of Croats who will rise early in the morning to support Miocic.
"I may sound like a broken record, but you have no idea how much support from Croatia means to me. You know, not every fighter has the luxury of me to be cheered on at the other end of the world by a whole country where he was not born. But I feel like a Croat, and I'm proud of my roots. I get a lot of support messages from Croatia, and it's a really wonderful feeling. The Croats are amazing. I hear from Cro Cop here and there, and he wished me luck,” Stipe said and continued:
"Of course, I also partly feel like a Croat. I talk a lot with my father about Croatia, and I also know some things in Croatian. I understand more than I can speak, so it is wise that we have this conversation in English, haha. I was in Croatia and was delighted and I will definitely come again. My daughter is still young, but she and I will learn Croatian together."
When he's not up against the toughest guys in the world, Miocic is a firefighter in Ohio, a job that is highly regarded in Croatia. It is a job he intends to continue to pursue after completing his career. Index wondered if this would be Stipe’s last fight.
"Don't worry. I'm definitely winning. Hello to everyone in Croatia!"
Translated from Index.hr.
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