Behind every great champion is a team of skilled coaches who shape their path to glory and Stipe Miocic is no different. The 42-year-old is considered by many as the greatest heavyweight of all time. After all, the UFC’s resident firefighter still holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in his division at three. However, all of these accolades have only been possible because of the former champion’s exceptional work ethic and hard work.

Despite achieving so much success, Miocic is still a student of the sport and is always working with his coaches to be the best version of himself. But who exactly does the Ohio Native work with? Let us find out about it below.

Everything about Stipe Miocic’s coach and gym

Stipe Miocic’s success in MMA is deeply intertwined with his long-standing partnership with coach Marcus Marinelli and the Strong Style Fight Team based in Independence, Ohio. Marinelli has been the guiding force behind Miocic’s evolution from a local prospect to a two-time UFC heavyweight champion. Known for his calm demeanor and technical expertise, Marinelli emphasizes a disciplined approach that combines striking, wrestling, and conditioning—key elements in Miocic’s fighting style.

The Strong Style Fight Team operates more like a family than a traditional gym. This close-knit environment fosters loyalty and focus, allowing Miocic to train alongside his teammates. Marinelli’s coaching philosophy centers on maximizing a fighter’s natural abilities while fine-tuning their weaknesses. For Miocic, this has translated into exceptional adaptability inside the Octagon, showcased in his victories against elite heavyweights like Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou, and Alistair Overeem.

Beyond the technical aspects, Marinelli plays a crucial role in managing Miocic’s mental preparation. His ability to keep the Ohio native grounded and focused amidst the pressures of championship bouts has been a cornerstone of their success. Their dynamic is built on trust and mutual respect, with Miocic often crediting Marinelli for his achievements. However, the former champion also has some fantastic training partners who help him prepare for his fights in the UFC. Let us take a look at them.

Does Miocic train with Cody Garbrandt? Teammates at Strong Style Fight Team

Before joining Team Alpha Male based in Sacramento, California, Cody Garbrandt was once part of the setup at Strong Style Team. However, the former bantamweight king and Stipe Miocic now train at separate facilities and are not teammates. Miocic trains with a dedicated group of fighters and coaches at Strong Style. While the gym doesn’t house a long list of globally recognized UFC names, it focuses on developing fighters from the ground up, emphasizing discipline, conditioning, and versatility.

Miocic’s training partners include local and regional fighters who specialize in various disciplines, helping him sharpen his boxing, wrestling, and overall MMA skills. This tight-knit team dynamic reflects the gym’s ethos of loyalty and commitment to long-term success. Miocic is all set to take on Jon Jones at the upcoming UFC 309 event in Madison Square Garden. Experts have already picked ‘Bones’ as the favorite to win the clash. However, with such a legendary coach beside him, one just cannot look past Stipe Miocic in a title clash.

Who do you think will win the fight at UFC 309? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.