‘I’m definitely gonna do something different’ – Stipe Miocic is changing his fight plan ahead of Francis Ngannou rematch
All eyes will be on the baddest man on the planet, who once again goes into the rematch as the underdog.
The world is on tenterhooks for the much-anticipated rematch between Francis Ngannou and Stipe Miocic. The baddest man on the planet, Stipe Miocic will be defending his heavyweight belt, come 27th of March, against probably the most dangerous heavyweight of all time. Stipe Miocic, despite starting the fight at UFC 220 against Ngannou, as the underdog, came out unscathed as he earned a unanimous decision victory over Ngannou.
Speaking in an interview with Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman of ESPN, Stipe Miocic was asked if he has changed his game plan, going into this rematch. The Ohio native was quick to acknowledge the fact that the game evolves constantly, and so should the game plan.
‘He’s got a lot better, but so have I‘ – Stipe Miocic
Miocic was quoted as saying, “I’m definitely gonna do something different. Different game plan, just because, in this sport you have to evolve, if you don’t evolve you’re gonna get passed by. And he’s [Francis Ngannou] definitely working on everything, he’s working on striking of course, but he’s working on his ground game, his defense, his wrestling, he’s doing all that. We’ve both evolved since our last fight. He’s got a lot better, but so have I.” [H/T LowBro-Sports]
If you think Francis Ngannou has improved a lot since his loss to Miocic, you’re definitely not wrong, but it doesn’t mean that Miocic hasn’t upgraded. He took on one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time in Daniel Cormier, winning twice in their trilogy bout. And Daniel Cormier is definitely lightyears ahead of the opponents (skill wise) Francis Ngannou has faced since his loss to Stipe.
Who do you think will emerge victorious, come Saturday night? Will it be ‘And Newww’ or ‘And Stillll’?