Stipe Miocic is finally getting the Daniel Cormier rematch he’s been longing for.
The fight was made official Saturday night during the UFC on ESPN+ 9 broadcast, with Cormier vs. Miocic 2 announced for UFC 241 on Aug. 17 at Honda Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Cormier long had been expected to defend the UFC heavyweight title against Brock Lesnar, but that plan fell through earlier this week when the WWE star informed UFC President Dana White that he would remain retired.
Lesnar’s decision ends nearly 10 months of hype surrounding the possibility of a fight with Cormier (22-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) and gives Miocic (18-3 MMA, 12-3 UFC) the rematch he’s been waiting for.
Ever since losing the title to Cormier last July at UFC 226, Miocic has been relentless with his demands for a rematch. But Cormier shot down those demands every step of the way while waiting for Lesnar.
Miocic, however, will no longer be denied. He hasn’t taken a fight since the loss to Cormier, and his patience has paid off.
Cormier most recently defended the title with a submission win over Lewis in November. Cormier originally put a self-imposed retirement date of March 20, his 40th birthday, on himself but later nixed his plans.
For more on UFC 241, visit the UFC Rumors section of the site.
