Stipe Miocic has broken his silence following his defeat to Jon Jones at UFC 309, with the legend revealing whether he is really done with mixed martial arts.
In an astonishing career, the Croatian-American has cemented his place as one of the greatest heavyweights to ever grace the Octagon.
Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Stipe Miocic is officially retiring from MMA with a heartfelt statement
Blessed with ferocious power, incredible heart and a sensational resume, Stipe Miocic has written his name into the MMA history books.
In an astonishing run at the top of the division, the Cleveland fighter gave fans memories to last a lifetime, from his remarkable victory over Fabricio Werdum in Brazil to the clinic he gave Francis Ngannou in their first meeting.
At UFC 309, it was clear that at 42 years old, Miocic is no longer the fighter he was, with fans forever wondering if he could have beaten Jon Jones in his prime.
But regardless, even though Saturday didn't go the way he would have liked, the firefighter's legacy is already set in stone.
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Ultimately, Miocic is an ordinary man with an extraordinary talent, who wins the hearts of fans all over the world. And now that his time in the octagon is behind him, he has said a loving farewell to everyone who supported him on his journey.
He posted on Instagram: “Let me start this post by saying I'm doing well. Experienced much worse. I hope everyone enjoyed the show on Saturday. What an incredible way to go out! I started this journey fighting at local bowling alleys and ended it at a sold out Madison Square Garden. It really doesn't get any better than that.
“Sorry I didn't get the W, but you can't get them all. Sometimes it's not your evening, that's the nature of the beast. You can't plan a perfect ending in this sport, but I think the perfect ending is that you were lucky enough to do it at all. You have all given me so much, and I hope I have made you all proud, especially Croatia and Cleveland, Ohio. I felt you all with me in every fight.
“To Marcus Marinelli and the Strongstyle team. We started together, we ended together. We cried together and we bled together. If only people knew the whole story of everything we've been through… we could write a pretty bad novel.
“There is no one else I would have shared this journey with… the best part is that we are family forever… Marcus, I know my father passed away. But I also know that he appreciates you stepping in and being the father figure I needed in my life.
“You dedicated years of your life to me. We made history based on a dream, and you had a vision. Now we have more time to drink wine and play euchre while making fun of Bobby for being bad at defending himself.
“To my opponents: thank you all. I have learned something from each of you. It was an honor to go to war, brothers.
'To my wife, you are my rock. The ship doesn't sail without you. You sacrificed so much for this dream, and I love you. God knew I needed you and you motivate me more than anyone! I'll miss hanging you on Embedded, but that's what YouTube is for.
“To my children, everything I have ever done is all for the two of you. To my mother, I know this is not the career you would have chosen for me, but you have always been in my corner since day one. It was me and you. To my Vayner sports family, you are the best in the business!”
'He destroyed his legacy'… Former UFC title challenger fires shots at Jon Jones for 'dodging' Tom Aspinall
While the great Miocic's MMA story has come to an end, Jones' journey has yet to reach its final destination, with the combat sports community desperate for the heavyweight champion to fight Tom Aspinall.
The interim titleholder has destroyed every man who dared to step foot in the octagon with him, doing his utmost to earn his shot at the throne.
Despite this, 'Bones' has shown little appetite for a showdown, prompting one former UFC title contender to claim the 37-year-old has irreparably damaged his reputation.
Sheesh: Jon Jones punched a security guard in a truly bizarre strike before one of his UFC fights
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