Is Stipe Miocic the True Heavyweight GOAT?

The great Heavyweight GOAT debate edges closer to a conclusion as Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier gear up for their trilogy fight at UFC 252 this Saturday. But do we already have a GOAT? Statistically, it might just be true that we do.

Even though the two stand at the top of the Heavyweight mountain, Stipe has many more accomplishments in the division. Not only does he hold the record of the longest title reign in the history of the promotion, but also has a resume that is too good to ignore.

Let us list down his accomplishments to determine whether he actually is the GOAT.

The longest title reign

Unlike every other division in the UFC, the history of the Heavyweight division comprises frequent changes in the titleholders.

Ranging from the inaugurating champion, Mark Coleman, to any other person to have wrapped the belt around his waist, none besides Miocic have defended the belt a consecutive 3 times.

After winning the title, Miocic defended it against Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, and Francis Ngannou before losing it out to DC.

Stipe Miocic has impressive heads on his mantle

‘Stone Cold‘ has ensured that he never becomes inactive during his career. Moreover, he has willingly fought anyone that the UFC pitted him against. Therefore, he has fought against some of the best in the world.

In fact, it was against arguably one of the best fighters ever, Fabricio Werdum, that he first won his title. Here is a list of every fighter he has ever beat in the UFC:

1. Joey Beltran
2. Philippe De Fries
3. Shane Del Rosario
4. Roy Nelson
5. Gabriel Gonzaga
6. Fabio Maldonado
7. Mark Hunt
8. Andrei Arlovski
9. Fabricio Werdum
10. Alistair Overeem
11. Junior dos Santos
12. Francis Ngannou
13. Daniel Cormier

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFBwcY6WQAE

Of course, his overall fights with the promotion include his three losses against Stefan Struve, Junior dos Santos, and DC. This depicts a pretty active career for a matter of 8 years.

Are these facts enough for the declaration of the GOAT?

It is apparent that Miocic has one of the best careers in the division’s history. However, the declaration of Greatest Of All Time requires him to be on a pedestal much above the rest.

Being a Class-A fighter does not cut it. Nevertheless, he will have his opportunity for the same if he beats Daniel Cormier in the trilogy fight.

This will not only make his legacy unmatchable but also give every fighter a much higher goal, i.e. to etch their legacies in the books of MMA.

Do you think Miocic will deliver this Saturday? Let us know in the comments section!