#TFGinterview: Stipe Miocic talks his latest campaign, Cain Velasquez, meeting LeBron James and more

THE QUICKEN LOANS ARENA erupted immensely when Stipe Miocic plunged Alistair Overeem into unconsciousness. Four months before this eruption, Miocic had defied all the odds and won the UFC Heavyweight championship in the hostile environment of Curitiba.

And as the referee raised his arm high under the bright lights of the Quicken Loans arena, he was enjoying his first title defense and that too, in the comfort of being in his own backyard.

The historic title win and defense of Miocic has been one of the major talking points of the Cleveland’s sporting resume of 2016. The city that had the infamous ‘sports curse’ completely turned the story upside down this year and Miocic feels that it’s a team effort.

Stipe Miocic: It was a team effort.  I got it done in Brazil and defended my title in Cleveland.  The Cavs won the NBA championship. The Cleveland Indians went to the World Series.  The Monsters also hoisted a championship.  It is a great time to be a Clevelander!

Another name that has been crucial to Cleveland is LeBron James. James led Cleveland Cavaliers to their first ever NBA Championship win earlier this year and Miocic crossed paths with the basketball icon when they showed up at the World Series to support another team from the city: The Cleveland Indians.  

Stipe Miocic: Lebron is a great guy.  It was awesome to hang with him at the World Series together and support not only the Indians, but the city of Cleveland. I was able to go to the Cavaliers ring ceremony and then walk across the street to watch the Indians in the World Series.

While 2016 has been a year to cherish both in memory and the history books, Miocic assures that his journey towards being a legendary Heavyweight performer in the UFC has only started.

Stipe Miocic: I will defend my title and enter the heavyweight elite, becoming the only heavyweight to successfully defend the title twice.

One major factor that could help him reach his goal will be his confidence. Unlike some of the other champions in UFC, Miocic notes that he would not pick his opponents and it’s this same confidence that he points out as the reason.

Stipe Miocic: I am confident in my skills and will put on a performance regardless of my opponent.  I will continue to successfully defend my title, regardless of opponent.

Developing such courage requires years and years of training, hard work, and of course, a team that support you to the core.

Stipe Miocic: Great coaching staff and team [has been crucial].  They put countless hours of prep and training in with me.  I wouldn't be where I am today without them.

Going back to his journey inside the octagon, the next title defense of Miocic could be decided after UFC 207 where Cain Velasquez will face off against Fabricio Werdum in a potential title eliminator. When quizzed about his prediction for the fight, he had the following to say.

Stipe Miocic: I don't pick fights.  Cain lost to Werdum at UFC 188.  It will be really exciting to see these guys fight again. They are both incredible fighters.  I am excited to watch this fight!

Miocic might be open to face any challenge that comes his way, but a good portion of the MMA community has been buzzing about a potential fight between Miocic and Cain.

Stipe Miocic: Cain is a great striker and excellent wrestler.  But I am as well.  It will be a great fight.

While Cain Velasquez vs. Stipe Miocic is a dream scenario for the fans, as far as Miocic is concerned, he also has a dream opponent.

Stipe Miocic: Mirko Cro Cop. He is an incredible fighter and someone I have always looked up to.  He actually beat me up on my most recent trip to Croatia this past month! HAH!

The success that Miocic enjoys inside the octagon and the goals that he has for his future, however, has not stopped him from being a superhero outside it. Just like all the other firefighters that make lives safer around the world, Stipe is passionate about helping others and he has no plans of stopping this.

Stipe Miocic: I am still an active full time firefighter.  Being a firefighter is who I am and always will be.  I am extremely passionate about helping others and will continue to do this as a firefighter.  It is tough to balance while training for a fight, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I am actually running a campaign currently for the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  I am donating $8.00 a shirt to the Foundation.  $1.00 for the 8 years I have been a firefighter

Finally, when quizzed about his feelings for India, Miocic had this to say:

Stipe Miocic: India is definitely on my list of places to visit.  It is an awesome country with so much history and culture.  I hope at some point I can experience everything this country has to offer.  I got married this past year and still haven’t had a chance to go on a honeymoon with my wife. Maybe we can head to India for a few weeks!

We might have to wait till 2017 to see Miocic fight again and possibly make history by defending the Heavyweight title twice, but for the time being, you can support his noble cause of helping the fire fighters here: www.encyte.me/stipe.

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