Francis Ngannou has nothing however admiration for two-time opponent Stipe Miocic.
Following his third-round stoppage loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309 on Saturday, Miocic introduced his retirement from the game. The 2-time UFC heavyweight champ defeated Ngannou of their first assembly at UFC 220 in January 2018, and of their rematch at UFC 260 in March 2021, Ngannou brutally knocked out Miocic to grow to be the champion.
Ngannou despatched message of assist and because of Miocic on Twitter following the 42-year-old’s ultimate bout.
“Thanks, champion [Stipe Miocic] for all you’ve finished for our sport and, above all, for the category you embody and the instance you set,” Ngannou wrote. “I’m grateful for the way our battles have formed me into a greater fighter; these moments taught me greater than years within the sport. Get pleasure from your well-earned retirement and greatest needs for all of your future endeavors.”
The collection between Miocic and Ngannou ends at a win apiece. Ngannou moved on to the PFL after making the choice to go away the UFC in 2023, and stopped Renan Ferreira within the first spherical at PFL Battle of the Giants in October.
