Miocic says Ngannou rematch 'isn't exciting to me,' wants new challenge
Stipe Miocic isn't jumping up and down at the thought of fighting Francis Ngannou again.
The UFC heavyweight champion is expected to defend his belt in a rematch against Ngannou after beating Daniel Cormier at UFC 252 on Aug. 15. Miocic said earlier this week he agrees Ngannou should be next in line for a title shot, but that apparently wouldn't be the champ's first choice.
"Francis isn't exciting to me, already put on a 25-minute clinic on how to beat him," Miocic wrote Wednesday on Instagram, according to MMA Fighting's Jed Meshew. "Want a new challenge! Would love to box."
Ngannou seemed to respond to Miocic in a tweet Thursday:
Is this your way of avoiding me? 🙄
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) August 27, 2020
Jon Jones recently vacated the light heavyweight title to focus on a move to heavyweight, leading to speculation he may jump the line. And while he could get an immediate title shot, "Bones" won't fight for the belt before Ngannou, according to UFC president Dana White.
Ngannou said last week he's "100% sure" he'll be the next man to face Miocic.
Miocic defeated Ngannou at UFC 220 in January 2018. Since then, the latter has worked his way up to a rematch by winning four straight bouts via knockout.
Miocic has talked about crossing over to the boxing ring in the past, calling out heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury earlier in 2020.