History of Stipe Miocic in Timeline

Stipe Miocic is an American professional mixed martial artist known for competing in the Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). He has achieved notable success in his career, being a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. His skills and accomplishments have earned him a spot in the UFC heavyweight rankings, where as of August 27, 2024, he is ranked #8. In addition to his career as an athlete, Miocic also serves as a firefighter, showcasing his dedication to public service. His dual career path highlights his commitment and versatility, balancing both high-level sports achievements and a role in emergency services.

August 19, 1982: Birth of Stipe Miocic

Stipe Miocic was born on August 19, 1982. He is known as an American professional mixed martial artist and firefighter.

2003: NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships

In 2003, Stipe Miocic competed in the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships in Kansas City while wrestling in the 197 lbs weight class for Cleveland State Vikings.

2005: College Graduation and Baseball Achievements

In 2005, Stipe Miocic hit .344 with seven home runs in his senior year, contributing to the Trojans' win of the TranSouth Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles. He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University.

2005: Early MMA and Boxing Career

In 2005, Stipe Miocic started training in various sports, including wrestling and baseball, at Strong Style MMA Training Centre. He transitioned to boxing, excelling quickly and achieving a 4-1 record in Golden Gloves boxing matches. He also won his first six professional MMA fights by knockout and the NAAFS Heavyweight Championship.

June 14, 2011: UFC Signing

Stipe Miocic signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC on June 14, 2011.

June 2011: Werdum's Previous Defeat

Werdum's first defeat since June 2011.

October 8, 2011: UFC Debut

On October 8, 2011, Stipe Miocic made his UFC debut against Joey Beltran at UFC 136, winning by unanimous decision.

February 15, 2012: Victory over Phil De Fries

Stipe Miocic defeated Phil De Fries via first-round KO on February 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV, earning "Knockout of the Night" award.

May 26, 2012: Victory over Shane del Rosario

On May 26, 2012, at UFC 146, Stipe Miocic won against Shane del Rosario via TKO in the second round.

September 29, 2012: Loss to Stefan Struve

Stipe Miocic lost to Stefan Struve via TKO in the second round on September 29, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 5. Both fighters received "Fight of the Night" honors.

June 15, 2013: Victory over Roy Nelson

On June 15, 2013, Stipe Miocic, as a significant betting underdog, defeated Roy Nelson via unanimous decision at UFC 161.

January 25, 2014: Victory over Gabriel Gonzaga

Stipe Miocic defeated Gabriel Gonzaga via unanimous decision on January 25, 2014, at UFC on Fox 10.

May 5, 2014: Junior dos Santos Withdrawal

On May 5, 2014, Junior dos Santos withdrew from his scheduled fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 173 due to a hand injury.

May 31, 2014: Victory over Fábio Maldonado

Stipe Miocic defeated Fábio Maldonado via TKO in the first round on May 31, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale, earning a "Performance of the Night" bonus.

December 13, 2014: Loss to Junior dos Santos

On December 13, 2014, Stipe Miocic lost to Junior dos Santos via unanimous decision at UFC on Fox 13. Both fighters received "Fight of the Night" honors.

2014: Previous Encounter with dos Santos

In 2014, Stipe Miocic lost a close unanimous decision to Junior dos Santos at UFC on Fox: dos Santos vs. Miocic.

May 10, 2015: Victory over Mark Hunt

Stipe Miocic defeated Mark Hunt via TKO in the fifth round on May 10, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 65, setting a UFC record for most strikes landed and largest strike margin.

October 24, 2015: Withdrawal from Ben Rothwell Fight

Stipe Miocic withdrew from his scheduled fight against Ben Rothwell on October 24, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 76 due to injury.

January 2, 2016: Victory over Andrei Arlovski

On January 2, 2016, Stipe Miocic defeated Andrei Arlovski via TKO in the first round at UFC 195, earning a "Performance of the Night" bonus.

January 25, 2016: Fabrício Werdum Withdrawal

On January 25, 2016, Fabrício Werdum withdrew from his scheduled fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC Fight Night 82 due to a back injury.

February 6, 2016: Cancelled Bout with Werdum

Stipe Miocic was briefly scheduled to fight Fabrício Werdum for the UFC Heavyweight Championship on February 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 82, but the fight was cancelled.

May 14, 2016: UFC Heavyweight Championship Victory

Stipe Miocic defeated Fabrício Werdum on May 14, 2016, at UFC 198, winning the UFC Heavyweight Championship and earning a "Performance of the Night" bonus.

September 10, 2016: First Title Defense

On September 10, 2016, Stipe Miocic successfully defended his title against Alistair Overeem at UFC 203, winning via knockout in the first round. Both fighters received "Fight of the Night" honors.

May 13, 2017: Second Title Defense

Stipe Miocic successfully defended his title against Junior dos Santos on May 13, 2017, at UFC 211, winning via TKO in the first round and earning a "Performance of the Night" bonus.

January 20, 2018: Miocic vs. Ngannou at UFC 220

On January 20, 2018, Stipe Miocic faced Francis Ngannou at UFC 220, where he successfully defended his heavyweight title for the third consecutive time, breaking the record for most consecutive title defenses in heavyweight history. Miocic dominated Ngannou for five rounds and won by unanimous decision. He notably took the belt from Dana White and had his coach put it around him, feeling disrespected by the UFC's promotion of his opponent. Miocic received congratulations from Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković.

July 7, 2018: Miocic vs. Cormier at UFC 226

On July 7, 2018, Stipe Miocic faced Daniel Cormier at UFC 226 for his fourth title defense in a highly anticipated champion vs. champion matchup called 'The Superfight'. Despite being the favorite, Miocic lost the fight via knockout in the first round, ending his championship reign. The fight was controversial due to Cormier's warnings for eye pokes.

August 17, 2019: Miocic Reclaims UFC Heavyweight Title

On August 17, 2019, Stipe Miocic regained the UFC Heavyweight Championship by defeating Daniel Cormier via TKO in the fourth round at UFC 241. Miocic's victory came after landing several clean left hooks to Cormier's body, followed by punches to the head. This win earned Miocic the Performance of the Night award. However, he was sidelined until 2020 due to retinal damage from an accidental eye poke by Cormier.

June 9, 2020: Trilogy Fight Announcement

On June 9, 2020, it was announced that Stipe Miocic would face Daniel Cormier for the third time at UFC 252 on August 15, 2020. This bout was highly anticipated as it would conclude their trilogy of fights.

August 15, 2020: Miocic vs. Cormier Trilogy at UFC 252

On August 15, 2020, Stipe Miocic defeated Daniel Cormier via unanimous decision in their trilogy fight at UFC 252. The fight was notable for both fighters receiving accidental eye pokes. The victory solidified Miocic's status as a top heavyweight in the UFC.

March 27, 2021: Miocic vs. Ngannou Rematch at UFC 260

On March 27, 2021, Stipe Miocic faced Francis Ngannou in a rematch at UFC 260. Miocic lost the UFC Heavyweight Championship via knockout in the second round, marking a significant defeat in his career.

August 28, 2021: Birth of Miocic's Son

On August 28, 2021, Stipe Miocic and his wife welcomed their second child, a son named Mateo Cruz, as announced on Miocic's Instagram by Bruce Buffer.

November 22, 2022: Death of Miocic's Father

On November 22, 2022, Stipe Miocic announced the passing of his father, marking a significant personal loss.

2022: Miocic Becomes Full-Time Firefighter

In 2022, Stipe Miocic became a full-time firefighter and paramedic in Oakwood and Valley View, Ohio, after years of part-time work. He cited the need for healthcare and insurance coverage for his family as the reason for the switch to full-time work.

November 11, 2023: Canceled Fight with Jon Jones

Originally scheduled to fight Jon Jones for the UFC Heavyweight Championship on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295, the bout was canceled due to Jones sustaining a pectoral muscle injury that required surgery, sidelining him for 8 months.