Issue 144

August 2016

How Stipe Miocic ended his home state’s 52-year wait for a major sports champion by bringing the heavyweight belt back to Ohio 

Saturday April 23

It’s sparring day for Miocic and his training partners. Among the fighters in the gym with the heavyweight is UFC female bantamweight contender Jessica ‘Evil’ Eye, who takes time between sessions to snap a photo with Stipe.

Saturday April 30

Gian Villante, UFC light heavyweight and training partner of former UFC 185lb champ Chris Weidman, is in town from New York to help Miocic prepare for his shot at the title. Villante sports a ‘Camp of the Champ’ tee in support of the Ohioan.

Friday May 6

With one week to go before his fight against Fabricio Werdum, Miocic does cardio before hitting pads with boxing coach Alex Cooper. “I want to win the belt, keep having the belt – defending it. This is what it’s all about,” Miocic says.

Monday May 9

The title challenger arrives in Curitiba and winds down at the Four Points Hotel with some active recovery in the pool. “Today is usually our off day... This is the best he’s ever looked at this point in the game,” explains head coach Marcus Marinelli.

Saturday May 14

Miocic enters the Arena da Baixada in front of 45,000 jeering Brazilian fans, but is unfazed by the crowd’s hostility. After just under three minutes of action, the American knocks out the Brazilian to become the new UFC heavyweight champion.

Tuesday May 17

Miocic begins his victory tour by hitting some dingers with The Cleveland Indians. Later, he’s guest of honor at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first NBA Eastern Conference Finals game against the Toronto Raptors. The Cavs win 115-84.

Wednesday May 18

Miocic takes his new championship belt to the Cleveland Browns’ FirstEnergy Stadium, but it isn’t long before he has to get back to work to prepare for his first title defense at UFC 203 against Alistair Overeem in September.