Miocic offended UFC didn’t call about interim heavyweight title bout

Former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic was upset the UFC did not reach out to him to be part of an interim title fight.

Instead, the division’s most successful fighter was a spectator as Ciryl Gane went on to defeat Derrick Lewis by TKO at UFC 265 to take home the belt.

"It does bother me because I just wish they would have at least came to me," Miocic said, according to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. "Even if I wasn't able to do it, I would have just loved to be given the opportunity. I think I deserved it. But I'm not gonna bitch and moan about it."

Miocic is not certain he would have been able to take the fight due to how quick the match was put together as well as the impending birth of his second child.

The 39-year-old revealed he has plans to fly to Las Vegas for a conversation with UFC president Dana White about being snubbed for a title shot and to discuss what the fighter's next step will be.

Miocic - who holds the most title defenses in the division’s history with four - has not fought since losing the heavyweight championship via a second-round knockout to current title-holder Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March.

The two-time heavyweight champ is aiming for a trilogy fight with Ngannou for the title. The series is split at one apiece, with the Ohio native topping Ngannou in their initial meeting in 2018 by unanimous decision.

"Getting my rematch and getting my belt back. That's the only way I see it," Miocic said.

Miocic did not deny interest in fighting division newcomer Jon Jones, but it doesn’t appear the former light heavyweight champion is interested in the match, a source told ESPN.

"I'll fight anyone," Miocic said, according to MMA Junkie's Nolan King. "I've said that from Day One. I'll fight anyone."

Meanwhile, Miocic will serve as extra muscle during the weigh-ins on Saturday for the boxing card featuring Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley, Raimondi reports.