Written by Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Francis Ngannou has nothing but admiration for two-time opponent Stipe Miocic.
Following his third-round stoppage loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309 on Saturday, Miocic announced his retirement from the sport. The two-time UFC heavyweight champ defeated Ngannou in their first meeting at UFC 220 in January 2018, and in their rematch at UFC 260 in March 2021, Ngannou brutally knocked out Miocic to become the champion.
Ngannou sent message of support and thanks to Miocic on Twitter following the 42-year-old’s final bout.
“Thank you, champion [Stipe Miocic] for all you’ve done for our sport and, above all, for the class you embody and the example you set,” Ngannou wrote. “I’m grateful for how our battles have shaped me into a better fighter; those moments taught me more than years in the sport. Enjoy your well-earned retirement and best wishes for all your future endeavors.”
The series between Miocic and Ngannou ends at a win apiece. Ngannou moved on to the PFL after making the decision to leave the UFC in 2023, and stopped Renan Ferreira in the first round at PFL Battle of the Giants in October.