Stipe Miocic’s plans after third Daniel Cormier fight could see him walk away claims Brett Okamoto

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Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier 3 will take place at UFC 252 in August

Dana White recently confirmed Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier for UFC 252 in August, and that has gotten everyone talking.

This is one of the biggest rivalries in the UFC and Cormier had been pressing Miocic for their third match.

Daniel Cormier family and wife
Daniel Cormier (L) has hinted that he wants one more fight before retiring (Image credit: Getty)

However, Miocic had been away due to a serious eye injury but the Heavyweight Champion is ready to return.

This will be an incredible clash and it will be interesting to see who comes out on top. Cormier has already said that this would be his last UFC fight as he wants to retire while Francis Ngannou wants a shot at the title too.

However, Miocic could also walk away from the sport, according to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto.

Stipe Miocic has been out of action since winning against Daniel Cormier
Stipe Miocic celebrates his win over Daniel Cormier after their UFC Heavyweight Title Bout at UFC 241 (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)

The MMA journalist was on Submission Radio and said he wouldn’t be surprised if Miocic did retire irrespective of the result from the fight:

“They are both near the end of their careers, Daniel’s made that very obvious, Stipe hasn’t talked about it as much but I don’t think he is going to be around for too much longer.

“In fact, I could even see a situation in which this is his last fight, so to me, they are 1-1. For the rest of their lives, they will go into bed at night ‘I was the best heavyweight of that time’ or ‘I was the second-best because I lost to the same guy twice.’”

“Those are massive, massive stakes.”

The greatest heavyweight clash of their era

Okamoto also went on to say that this would be the biggest heavyweight clash of this era between two of the best.

However, he also said that he hasn’t spoken to anyone about Miocic’s retirement, and claimed that he might retire since he wants to see his family etc.

He did keep the door open for Miocic to not retire on fight night itself. Jon Jones moving to the heavyweight division could be one reason, however, he believed that Miocic would be out after this clash.

Daniel Cormier vs Stipe Miocic 3 could happen in the UFC
Daniel Cormier kicks Stipe Miocic in the first round during their UFC Heavyweight Title Bout at UFC 241 (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)

This would be a huge blow to the UFC as they would lose two big names. However, there are others who are waiting in the wings to take up the mantle, such as the aforementioned Ngannou.

Ngannou wants another title shot after losing to Miocic a few years back, and he has looked incredible in recent months.

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