Miocic agrees Ngannou next in line for title shot

UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has two high-profile challengers vying for the next title shot: heavyweight knockout artist Francis Ngannou and former light heavyweight king Jon Jones.

After successfully defending his belt against Daniel Cormier at UFC 252 on Aug. 15, Miocic believes Ngannou has "worked his way back up" to a title fight.

"Ngannou has definitely shown a lot better stuff since the first fight. He's knocking everyone out in the first round. He's just on a tear," Miocic said to ESPN's Marc Raimondi.

Ngannou has scored four consecutive first-round TKO finishes since picking up back-to-back losses in 2018. One of those defeats was a unanimous decision in favor of Miocic in a title fight at UFC 220.

UFC president Dana White and Ngannou have both recently stated the 15-3 striker will get the next shot at Miocic's belt.

However, a big-money bout with Jones still looms.

"I'll fight anyone," Miocic said. "I don't really call people out. Whoever they put me in front of, I'm gonna fight. That's what I do. That's what I signed up for. If it's (Jones) or it's Ngannou or whoever, I'm ready to go."