Stipe Miocic spent a year away from the octagon after beating Daniel Cormier in 2019. This was partly due to his eye injury and partly because of his career outside the octagon. The UFC heavyweight champion serves as a firefighter and first responder in his home state of Ohio. 

Besides being a champion for his state and his ancestral country of Croatia, Miocic is the champion for his fellow first responders. He identifies with his fellow workers across the country and took time to thank them following his unanimous decision win at UFC 252. 

The champion took to Instagram and wrote, “Have to take a minute to address some very special people, my fellow first responders and the men and women serving our country. Every time I step into that octagon, I carry you with me. The love you showed from all over the world this week was unbelievable! Nothing but love and gratitude for all of you.. stay safe, God bless!”

He beat Daniel Cormier to claim their trilogy by the head-to-head score of 2-1.

However, their recent meeting was the first time they had gone to the judges’ scorecards. ‘DC’ won their first meeting via first-round finish. Miocic ended Cormier’s reign a year later via a fourth-round TKO.

What’s next for Stipe Miocic?

Stipe Miocic will resume his firefighting duties as the pandemic is showing no sign of slowing down. He has constantly said that he wishes to pursue both careers simultaneously with a transition to full-time firefighting once he finishes his UFC career.

The champion can only enhance his legacy in the division. This is because he has the most defenses at heavyweight and is the only fighter to defend his belt three times in one reign.

Stern tests in the form of Francis Ngannou lie ahead, and Jon Jones‘ arrival at heavyweight could make the championship scene even more interesting.

Read: A Look into Stipe Miocic and His Fire Fighting Career

Despite achieving all this success, he has not forgotten the brave men and women who stand on the front lines. What do you make of Stipe Miocic’s Instagram tribute?