Stipe Miocic, the UFC’s most accomplished heavyweight champion, has captivated fans with his extraordinary fight IQ, relentless power, and adaptability inside the Octagon. Known for his incredible resilience and strategic prowess, Miocic’s career is filled with jaw-dropping finishes that showcase why he’s considered one of the greatest heavyweights of all time.
As he prepares for his highly anticipated showdown with Jon Jones at UFC 309, let’s revisit the top five finishes that defined his legacy and continue to strike fear into his opponents.
1. Miocic’s Vicious KO Against Fabricio Werdum – UFC 198
Miocic claims the heavyweight crown in spectacular fashion.
Miocic’s crowning moment came in May 2016, when he faced then-champion Fabricio Werdum at UFC 198 in Curitiba, Brazil. Werdum, a decorated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, entered the Octagon expecting to overwhelm Miocic with his striking and grappling abilities. But Miocic had other plans.
After a few initial exchanges, Werdum chased Miocic aggressively across the cage, leaving himself open. Miocic, calm under pressure, backpedaled while timing his perfect shot. He landed a thunderous right hook that dropped Werdum instantly, silencing the home crowd and earning him the heavyweight title.
This victory was pivotal for Miocic, marking the start of his legendary title reign. His knockout over Werdum wasn’t just a career-defining moment—it sent a message to the entire heavyweight division that Miocic was a force to be reckoned with. Miocic’s poise and precision here set him apart as a champion who could exploit any mistake.
2. Revenge on Junior Dos Santos – UFC 211
Miocic silences any doubters with a first-round TKO.
Junior Dos Santos handed Miocic one of the few losses of his career in a brutal five-round war in 2014. When they met again at UFC 211 in 2017, Miocic had evolved significantly, and he was ready to make a statement. After absorbing some sharp leg kicks from Dos Santos, Miocic turned up the pressure, walking down his opponent with calculated aggression. He rocked Dos Santos with a powerful right hand, followed by a relentless barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the fight in the first round.
This victory solidified Miocic as a formidable champion who could adapt and dominate any challenger. By defeating Dos Santos, Miocic proved that he was more dangerous and determined than ever. This fight underscored Miocic’s exceptional boxing skills and his ability to capitalize on his opponents’ weaknesses.
3. Epic TKO Against Alistair Overeem – UFC 203
Miocic’s heart and willpower shine through in front of a hometown crowd.
At UFC 203 in Cleveland, Miocic defended his title for the first time against striking phenom Alistair Overeem. In a dramatic first round, Miocic faced adversity when Overeem dropped him with a precise punch and attempted a guillotine choke. However, Miocic managed to survive, displaying his trademark resilience. Moments later, he rallied back, taking Overeem to the ground and unleashing brutal ground-and-pound that ended the fight. The hometown crowd erupted as Miocic retained his title with one of the most thrilling comebacks of his career.
Impact: This victory highlighted Miocic’s unbreakable spirit and his ability to overcome adversity. His thrilling comeback showcased why he’s such a beloved figure in the UFC, and it reinforced his reputation as a champion who could handle immense pressure and rise above it.
4. First-Round Knockout of Andrei Arlovski – UFC 195
Miocic’s rise to title contention with a brutal finish.
In 2016, Miocic faced former champion Andrei Arlovski in a bout that would earn him a title shot. Miocic made a statement with a devastating first-round knockout, catching Arlovski with a precise right hand that sent him crashing to the mat. The finish was swift, calculated, and showcased Miocic’s incredible power. The emphatic knockout had fans buzzing, knowing Miocic was a serious contender for the title.
This win secured Miocic a shot at the heavyweight championship and demonstrated his dangerous striking ability. Arlovski’s knockout not only underscored Miocic’s ascent within the division but also marked him as one of the most powerful strikers in the UFC.
5. Decisive KO in Trilogy Fight with Daniel Cormier – UFC 252
Miocic proves his supremacy in the rubber match.
Miocic’s rivalry with Daniel Cormier became one of the greatest trilogies in UFC history. After losing to Cormier in their first bout and reclaiming his title in a rematch, the two heavyweights faced off for the final time at UFC 252. Miocic showcased his striking and grappling skills, wearing down Cormier throughout five intense rounds. In the fourth round, Miocic delivered a series of calculated shots and used his reach advantage effectively. Miocic’s precision and pace were too much for Cormier, and he secured a hard-fought decision victory, ending the rivalry on top.
Impact: This victory cemented Miocic as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, establishing him as the only man to successfully defend the title multiple times. By defeating Cormier, Miocic solidified his legacy and demonstrated the full range of his skills, from striking and grappling to unmatched endurance.
Building Anticipation for UFC 309: Can Miocic Deliver Another Iconic Finish Against Jon Jones?
These five finishes highlight why Stipe Miocic remains one of the most feared fighters in UFC history. From his explosive power and crisp boxing to his resilience and high fight IQ, Miocic has continually proven that he belongs at the top of the heavyweight division. With Miocic’s proven ability to adapt and Jones’s diverse skill set, UFC 309 promises to be a high-stakes showdown.