Bryant Jennings, the Man Who Halted UFC Champ Stipe Miocic’s Boxing Dream, Will Fight for the First WBC Bridgerweight Title

Stipe Miocic is on the cusp of solidifying his status as the UFC heavyweight ‘GOAT’. And as the Ohio native takes on Francis Ngannou at UFC 260, one of his old foes has also got the chance to make history. Bryant Jennings, who ended Miocic’s boxing dream, will fight for the WBC Bridgerweight title.

The WBC introduced the new division at the back end of 2020 with a weight limit of 224 lbs. Jennings will take on Oscar Rivas for the newly minted title. However, it may be a fight that sparks controversy in the sport.

Lance Pugmire confirmed the news on his Twitter. He claimed that the WBC president, Mauricio Sulaiman, told him they had agreed to a deal between Jennings and Rivas for the gold. The two will now fight at the 224 lbs weight limit to become the maiden Bridgerweight champion.

The fight between the two will raise a few eyebrows as Jennings has not earned a title shot. The American has not won a bout since 2018 and comes into the title bout on the back of two losses, and two years out of the sport. Therefore, the sanctioning body may draw more criticism for their decision.

READ: How Stipe Miocic is a True Gentleman Outside UFC?

When did Bryant Jennings beat Stipe Miocic?

Jennings took on Miocic in a Golden Gloves contest back in 2009. On the night, Jennings got the better of Miocic, and eventually, the Ohio native switched to MMA. Since then, their careers have followed vastly different paths.

As Miocic aims to solidify his status as the undisputed UFC heavyweight goat, Jennings is relatively unknown in the heavyweight division. He challenged Wladimir Klitschko for the unified title in 2015, but other than that has experienced a subdued career.

Therefore, getting a world title shot is a massive opportunity for the 36-year-old. It would be his last chance at becoming a world champion and etching his name in the history books.

Throughout his career, Jennings has ranged between 224 lbs and 230 lbs in the heavyweights. Therefore, the Bridgerweight could be the ideal weight for the American. Furthermore, he has the chance to avenge his defeat to Rivas.

What do you make of this news? Do you think Bryant Jennings deserves the title shot?

READ: The Story of Stipe Miocic- How He Got into MMA