Miocic set to claim rematch spot in Anaheim.
UFC are targeting a rematch for the undisputed heavyweight title between Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic. ESPN are reporting that the pair will clash again on an unnumbered PPV event on August 17th in Anaheim, California.
BREAKING: DC vs. Miocic 2 on tap for UFC pay-per-view on Aug. 17 in Anaheim, California. Both fighters confirm they are in the process of finalizing the bout to @ESPN. pic.twitter.com/LDBYf1NqtJ
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) May 1, 2019
The Team Strong Style product and the former champion has not fought since losing his title to Cormier at UFC 226 in January 2018. UFC 226's main event ended via KO after four minutes and 33 seconds of the first round but a number of prior eye pokes went unnoticed from referee Marc Goddard. Miocic, to his credit, didn't complain about the pokes but they looked to play a significant factor in the outcome of the pair's first meeting.
Here's the eye poke from DC on Miocic. Did it have a significant impact on the the finish?! Miocic probably should have taken more time. Looks pretty dirty all the same. #UFC226 pic.twitter.com/Xass0OxsxL
— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) July 8, 2018
Cleveland's Miocic defended the heavyweight title a total of three times - a divisional record - and has campaigned for an immediate rematch ever since dropping the belt to the UFC colour commentator. The ex-UFC light heavyweight champion is coming off a first-round submission victory over Derrick Lewis back in November at UFC 230. It was widely reported Dana White wanted Cormier to face former UFC and current WWE star Brock Lesnar. The possibility of that fight seems dead in the water after the promotion's president confirmed to ESPN that the former champion told White he has 'retired' from MMA. White confirmed that both sides have verbally agreed to the fight but no bout agreements have been signed. Expect the bout to be officially confirmed by the promotion in the coming days.
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