Daniel Cormier vs. Francis Ngannou for the UFC Heavyweight Title?
That’s certainly a possibility following the UFC President threatening to strip Stipe Miocic of the 235-pound belt if he didn’t fight very soon. Miocic quickly responded to Dana White’s threat and makes it clear that he hasn’t had the time to prepare for a fight against Cormier due to his gym shutting down; however, the UFC President appears to be adamant about a championship fight happening by August:
“I think it speaks for itself,” White said. “It is what it is. Most of these states are opening back up. Even Nevada. Nevada, California and New York, as far as I know, have been like the toughest states, and they’re starting to loosen up and open up. We should be able to get a fight by August.”
For Cormier, who was contemplating retirement nearly a year ago, he doesn’t care if Miocic is holding the belt or not as the former UFC Heavyweight Champion is looking to reclaim what he lost last year and doesn’t mind facing Ngammou for the prestigious belt (Transcript courtesy of MMA Fighting):
“That’s if Stipe won’t fight,” Cormier said during the UFC 249 post-fight show. “If Stipe won’t fight then Francis Ngannou has earned a title fight. If somebody’s fighting Francis Ngannou for the title, it’s going to be me. I’ll be honest with you, all respect in the world to Francis Ngannou but I’m not afraid of anyone. I’ll fight anybody on any time. I love Francis. I think he’s a sweetheart person.”
Of course, Cormier wants the trilogy fight against Stipe; however, he’s simply not going to continue waiting around to face the UFC Heavyweight champ on his own time:
“I would love to do my trilogy fight with Stipe Miocic,” Cormier said. “But if Stipe won’t fight, they’re going to take his belt just like Henry [Cejudo] just gave up his and they’re going to make a fight between Francis and I for the belt. It’s simple as that. You’ve got to fight as the champ.”