Miocic wants to fight winner of Jones vs Gane
Miocic won the heavyweight title for two and a half years before losing it to Daniel Cormier
Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic has challenged the victor of the forthcoming title match between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane.
For almost three years, Jones has been planning to switch to heavyweight, and on March 4, he will finally fight scheduled when he takes on Gane for the vacant championship at UFC 285.
The announcement follows Francis Ngannou's decision to leave the promotion after nearly two years of discussions that resulted in no new deal.
Since his knockout loss to Ngannou in March 2021, Miocic, who was in negotiations to face Jones last month, hasn't competed in the UFC.
Despite turning 41 later this year, the former champion seemed eager to return in the summer.
"March 4th - I like it. I got winner in July," he tweeted.
While announcing the fight between Jones and Gane this Saturday, UFC president Dana White acknowledged that Miocic remains in contention for the heavyweight title.
"Stipe is still obviously very much in the mix but he's going through some stuff, the timing just didn't work out," White said.
Miocic won the heavyweight title for two and a half years before losing it to Daniel Cormier, then regaining it and defending it in their trilogy bout.
If Miocic fights the winner of Jones vs. Gane, he will be able to begin his third reign as heavyweight champion, a feat only accomplished by UFC icon Randy Couture.
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