In the 25th fight of his pro career, the legendary run of Stipe Miocic came to an end this past weekend at UFC 309.
The former two-time UFC heavyweight champion announced that he would be retiring following his loss in the main event and he has since posted a statement on social media.
It was always going to be a massive ask to return after over three years out and go up against the consensus greatest of all time in the champion, Jon Jones.
For everything that Miocic has accomplished in his career, he was unable to beat father time and was stopped by "Bones" in the third round at Madison Square Garden.
Miocic is rarely reflective or sentimental but in a recent Instagram post, he looked back at his time as an elite mixed martial artist:
"Let me start this post by saying I am good. Been through a lot worse. I hope everybody enjoyed the show on Saturday. What an incredible way go out! I started this journey fighting in local bowling alleys & ended it selling out Madison Square Garden. It truly doesn’t get better than that.
"Sorry I don’t get the W, but you can’t get em all. Sometimes it’s not your night, that is the nature of the beast. You can’t plan a perfect ending in this sport, but I guess the perfect ending is to have been lucky enough to do it at all. You all have given me so much, and I hope I did you all proud. Croatia & Cleveland Ohio especially. I felt all of you with me at every battle."
Miocic also took time to thank his coaches, especially Marcus Marinelli who he describes as the father figure that he needed in his life after his own father's passing.
His close-knit team at Strongstyle in Ohio have produced some iconic moments inside the Octagon.
From his first title win over Fabricio Werdum in Brazil at UFC 198 to his record-breaking third title defence against Francis Ngannou and the trilogy with Daniel Cormier that followed it.
In the post, Miocic also thanked his opponents, his wife, the rest of his family, his management and finally, the fans.
"You guys are the heartbeat of this sport. You are what makes MMA amazing! Without you, we fighters don't even exist. The rush you gave me walking down to that octagon is forever engraved in my memory! Thank you for that. I'm not goin anywhere. Excited to start some new projects, bring back the podcast, break down all my fights & share my reality with you!"
"Until my next fight....... just kidding, just kidding! Forever grateful. It's been a hell of a ride!"
