Cigano regrets defeat, but praises Miocic: 'He represents MMA well'

J. Cigano (photo) was courteous to S. Miocic Photo: Reproduction/Youtube

The disappointment of the defeat in the first round did not make Cigano forget about respect for his opponent. After being knocked out in the opening round of the main fight of UFC 211, an event that took place this Saturday (13), in Dallas, the Brazilian made a point of praising Stipe Miocic, who kept the belt with the triumph, despite regretting having lost the opportunity to become UFC heavyweight champion again.

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“It's a very bad feeling to lose like that, in the first round. I've done this to a lot of guys. He is incredible, a great champion. I wanted to be champion, but if I'm going to lose, let it be to a guy like him. Stipe Miocic represents the sport well. He’s on his way to becoming one of the greatest fighters of all time,” commented Cigano at the post-UFC 211 press conference.

The Brazilian believes that the arrival of USADA in the UFC caused many heavyweight athletes to lose strength, but praised Miocic again when talking about how he followed the opposite path and has only improved.

“It will be very difficult to beat Miocic now. He is the guy. I see him continuing to grow and become one of the greatest. It's funny that after USADA he just continued to improve, unlike a lot of people in the division”, said the Brazilian.