The Ultimate Fighting Championship has finally booked the highly-anticipated trilogy fight between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier.
Cormier drew first blood in the storied rivalry as he finished Miocic in their first encounter at UFC 226 two years ago to capture the heavyweight title. He successfully defended the belt against Derrick Lewis before Miocic ended his reign with a fourth-round knockout victory at UFC 241.
On August 15, the heavyweight rivals will battle in the Octagon for a third time as they are set to headline the UFC 252 pay-per-view event in Las Vegas, with everything on the line according to UFC president, Dana White.
“This is an unbelievable fight. This is for everything at heavyweight. The winner of this fight will be the champion as well as the greatest heavyweight of all-time,” White said in an interview with yahoo Sports.
“They’ve had two great fights before and they have been anxious to do it again and settle this thing finally.”
Swan Song
Win or lose, it will be the last time mixed martial arts fans will see Cormier donning the four ounce gloves as he is set to officially retire from the sport after the trilogy bout.
The American Kickboxing Academy standout originally planned to call it a career in 2019 before turning 40 but after the second loss of his MMA career, he said he wants to have his final dance, but only with Miocic.
“This one is for all the marbles. 1-1, both knockouts but great fights, I can’t wait to fight this dude again!! Now it’s time to work as hard as I ever trained. #weareaka #zinkinsportsmanagement #2xheavyweightchamp 2xlightheavyweightchamp.”
Speaking to ESPN’s Ariel Helwani, Cormier said: “I would not be goaded into fighting again after this. I’m going to ride off into the sunset.”
Time Has Come
Following months of speculations, the reigning heavyweight champion said it is now the perfect time to come back and face Cormier in their trilogy fight.
Miocic has made it clear he will defend his heavyweight title after a recent warning from the UFC president that his belt could be stripped. On Sunday, Miocic took to Twitter to tease fans on his upcoming return.
What are your early predictions for Miocic vs Cormier III?
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier)