Stipe Miocic wasn’t on the shortlist of candidates for the UFC’s heavyweight interim title fight. And it’s safe to say that this didn’t sit well with the two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion.
Speaking with ESPN on the subject, Miocic admitted that he was bothered by the snub even though he might have said no to the offer.
“It does bother me, because I just wish they would have at least came to me,” Miocic told the media outlet on Wednesday. “Even if I wasn’t able do it, I would have just loved to be given the opportunity. I think I deserved it.”
Miocic’s most recent stint as UFC Heavyweight Champion ended in March when he was defeated by Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 via KO in the second round. Many believed that the 39-year-old American would get a shot to win the title back soon, but UFC had other plans.
The promotion selected Derrick Lewis as Ngannou’s next opponent and scheduled the bout between the two on August 7th at UFC 265. After Ngannou decided to skip the challenge for unknown reasons, UFC created an interim title fight between Lewis and Ciryl Gane.
Gane ended up getting the win with a TKO in the third round and is next in line to face Ngannou for an opportunity to be an undisputed heavyweight champion.
But this won’t discourage Miocic from pleading his case to UFC President Dana White and attempting to get a shot for the third title.
“I just have to sit down and have a conversation with him [White],” Miocic shared with ESPN. “And everything will fall into place.”
