Stipe Miocic (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Not only did Stipe Miocic set a new record for heavyweight title defenses at UFC 220, the champion had to defeat one of the most hyped fighters in all of combat sports to do so. As a result, following the event, Miocic admitted that fact made his historic win that much “sweeter”.

Ngannou was booked for a title shot after going 6-0 to begin his UFC tenure, and after stopping each man he had faced. Due to his fearsome power, many people believed that the rising star would end Miocic’s reign. The champion was the betting lines underdog heading into the card.

Although Ngannou threatened early with some big punches, Miocic’s wrestling took over the fight, and he worked his way to a decision win. With the win, Miocic set a new record for title defenses in the heavyweight division at three.

At the post-fight presser, the champion had this to say, while discussing the importance of his victory (quote via MMA Fighting):

“Now it means something to me,” Miocic said. “I beat the guy that everyone thought I couldn’t beat, so it made it that much sweeter. ‘This guy’s a phenom, he’s one-in-a-million, blah, blah, blah.’ Well guess what? He lost. He lost to a Midwest boy that’s 40 pounds lighter than him. And I’m the greatest heavyweight. I defended it three times. No one’s ever done that.

“It was the Stipe show tonight. It wasn’t about him. It was about me, because I’m the champ. I broke the record. I’m the best.”

The 35 year-old Miocic has now won five straight bouts, and his overall record sits at 18-2.