Stipe Miocic had to walk through fire in the UFC 241 main event at Honda Center in Anaheim, but after a tough battle with Daniel Cormier, he regained the UFC heavyweight title, halting “DC” in the fourth round of their rematch.
With the win, Miocic becomes the fourth fighter to regain the heavyweight crown, joining Randy Couture, Tim Sylvia and Cain Velasquez in the record books.
The 40-year-old Cormier, who took the title from Miocic in July 2018, got off to a fast start, landing several hard punches before slamming his foe to the mat just before the midway point of the opening frame. Cormier controlled matters on the ground, capping off the round with a series of unanswered hammer fists.
Miocic got more aggressive in round two and he had success with his striking from long distance. But as soon Cormier got within punching range, he continued to tag the Ohio native. With three minutes left, the exchanges got more intense, with each getting their shots in. Remarkably, both fighters took the flush shots well and kept throwing, but Cormier was landing more, as Miocic wasn’t dealing well with the champion’s hand speed.
The drama continued to heighten in round three thanks to plenty of hard shots landed by both fighters at close range, as well as a takedown by Miocic with a little over 90 seconds remaining. Cormier rose immediately, and he stunned Miocic with a right hand in the closing minute, refusing to let up with his pressure.
Miocic played the role of aggressor in round four and his 1-2s were sharp, particularly when followed by body shots that kept Cormier at bay. Cormier kept throwing, but the body shots were taking their toll, and when Miocic went upstairs with a right hand, it stunned “DC” and put him in immediate trouble. Miocic sensed the end was near and he went on the attack, with a series of unanswered blows prompting referee Herb Dean to stop the fight at 4:09 of the fourth round.
Miocic moves to 23-1 with 1 NC. Cormier falls to 18-4.
