Stipe Miocic Posts Statement Following KO Loss, Says he “Deviated” From The Game Plan
Stipe Miocic (image via UFC / YouTube)
By FCF Staff
Following Stipe Miocic’s knockout loss to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260, there’s been some speculation as to whether the 38-year-old heavyweight might retire. But, based on a statement the now-former champ has released, it doesn’t sound like Miocic is planning to walk away yet.
Ngannou avenged his 2018, decision loss to Miocic on Saturday, by finishing the renowned fighter with punches in round two. More recently, Miocic shared out the comments below via Instagram.
First and foremost, I’m ok. I know that fall wasn’t my most graceful fall, but I was unconscious, so it happens 😂
To my family friends and fans, especially Croatia & Cleveland..
I love you and I’m sorry. I hate letting you down. To my team, thank you. I know you feel every loss just as much as I do. We win as a family, we lose as a family. Losses aren’t fun, they always sting for a while, but that’s the beast of this business. You can’t win them all, and it’s important to understand that losing is just as much a part of sports (and life) as winning. Don’t ever forget God will always put you where you’re meant to be at that exact moment. You can’t dwell on what you should have done better, but you can learn and improve from it and come back more prepared next time.
Unfortunately, I deviated from game plan. I felt great coming into the second round, I saw it was beginning to go as planned. He was getting very winded, and I came in over zealous and unprotected. I wasn’t in a good posture to take the hit. He saw the opening, and did what any great fighter would have done.
That was my error that I accept, it wont happen again. Lastly, I’d like to congratulate @francisngannou and his team on a well earned victory. Saturday night was your night, enjoy your victory! For now, I’m going to enjoy the down time, spend some time with my family, and welcome our son into the world this summer… stay tuned, God bless
The Ohio fighter saw his record drop to 20-4 on account of the loss, and Miocic is 3-2 in his last 5 bouts.
