S. Miocic (left) and F. Ngannou (right) face each other for the first time in 2018. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Even though he was responsible for dethroning Stipe Miocic from the heavyweight throne (up to 120,2kg), Francis Ngannou showed all his respect for the former division champion. In a statement to his channel on Youtube, the Cameroonian admitted that the former belt holder was the biggest challenge of his career so far and revealed that he underestimated him in the first duel between them, in January 2018.
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“(Stipe) Miocic, so far, has been the best and biggest challenge I’ve ever had. He is very competitive, he is a legitimate man. I remember the first time I fought him, I underestimated him and I was so wrong about him. From then on, I kind of really enjoyed watching Miocic in action and paid a lot of attention to his fights. It's impressive how durable he is, his resistance, his movement. Everything about Miocic is impressive when you look closely,” said Ngannou.
Ngannou and Miocic faced each other for the first time at UFC 220, in January 2018. At the time, the Cameroonian barely bothered the then champion and was defeated by unanimous decision from the judges. The rematch took place just over three years later, and the 'Predator' showed progress and managed to become the king of the division by knocking out Stipe in the second round.
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