Miocic: 'I want to fight' Cormier after pandemic
Former UFC heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier called out the current titleholder, Stipe Miocic, on Monday, telling him to "sign the contract" for a third meeting between the two.
Then, on Tuesday, UFC president Dana White said to Barstool Sports that a champion could "possibly" be stripped of the title for inactivity, even during the coronavirus pandemic.
Miocic shot back at both on Wednesday. The heavyweight champ is a firefighter in Ohio and said he's been unable to train due to state measures.
I want to fight DC. It’s going to happen period. Im going to give my fans what they want to see. My management has been working on dates with UFC. Right now I’m doing what the Governor DeWine is advising and am working as a first responder. I can’t control a global pandemic.
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) May 6, 2020
My head coach can’t open his gym by law right now. I don’t hold myself higher than any other person in regards to what I’m allowed to do. Ohio is under orders until May 29th. The second the gym can open, we begin camp. Plain and simple. I have never ducked anyone.
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) May 6, 2020
I’ve never turned down a fight, and I never will. Strap #6 coming soon 🐐 #SM
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) May 6, 2020
Cormier won his first meeting with Miocic at UFC 226 in July 2018 by first-round TKO to become a two-division champion. In the rematch, Miocic won back his belt via fourth-round TKO at UFC 241 in August.