LAS VEGAS – The competitive fire between heavyweight rivals Daniel Cormier and Stipe Miocic was restoked during the UFC’s summer news conference at T-Mobile Arena, with the reigning UFC champion firing the first verbal shot at the former titleholder.
Answering a question from MMA Junkie on Friday, Cormier (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) joked about his first-round knockout win over Miocic (18-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) last July at UFC 226.
“You know, when I was getting ready to fight with (Brock) Lesnar and Stipe was kinda like putting up those random pictures of him punching me, I just was like, ‘Obviously I got in the last punch – like, five or six!'”
Cormier then turned his thoughts to the upcoming rematch, which is set to headline UFC 241 on Aug. 17 in Anaheim, Calif. In doing so, Cormier offered a crushing assessment of Miocic’s chances.
“I understand that he’s going to be better,” Cormier said. “But when I think about the fight and the little bit of time we fought before, I just don’t think he’s good enough to beat me. I mean, I just don’t.
“I think he’s a good champion. I think he’s a good fighter. I just don’t think he’s good enough to beat me. Whether it’s 25 minutes or two rounds, I’m still gonna win the fight.”
Cormier’s comments were shrugged off by Miocic, who, when asked how he would prevent history repeating itself, jokingly used his opponent’s remarks to downplay his own chances.
“I don’t know,” Miocic said. “Listening (to Cormier) right there, I’m not good enough. A good fighter, but not to his level.”
But the smiling Miocic also made sure to make a statement of his own.
“We’ll definitely see August 17,” he said. “Trust me, a lot has changed. I’ve got my mind right. I’m walking out with the belt wrapped around my waist, no question.”
For more on UFC 241, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
