“They went a different direction,” UFC matchmakers pump-faked Stipe Miocic with Jon Jones fight offer at UFC 285

Stipe Miocic was surprised by UFC's decision to go with Ciryl Gane as the contender for Jon Jones super fight which will take place at UFC 285.

“They went a different direction,” UFC matchmakers pump-faked Stipe Miocic with Jon Jones fight offer at UFC 285

Stipe Miocic after win over Alistair Overeem (Image Source: Getty Images)

Stipe Miocic appeared on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani to talk about his possible return and being the first choice for Jon Jones’ return at UFC 285. Later, replaced by Ciryl Gane due to Francis Ngannou’s departure. The 40-year-old fighter also talked about being a full-time fire-fighter since his last fight and expressed excitement about returning to the octagon.

The 40-year-old HW veteran discussed how UFC approached him first instead of Ciryl Gane but went ahead with Gane anyway. “They went with Ciryl Gane. I was definitely open to the fight. I don’t know what happened, not a matchmaker,” said Miocic on the MMA Hour.

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Stipe is coming off a championship loss to Francis Ngannou via KO/TKO at UFC 260. The veteran revealed that he has started training and is working on his conditioning as of now.

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Jon Jones vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 would finally feature a Heavyweight title fight after 14 months. The event will also mark former LHW GOAT, Jon Jones’ return after a 3-year lay-off. Soon after the announcement of UFC 285, Stipe expressed his interest in fighting the winner of Jones vs Gane on Twitter.

Related: “I asked for 3 fights,” Francis Ngannou reveals the opponents he was willing to fight in new UFC contract

Stipe Miocic reacts to UFC 285 announcements, expresses interest in the winner of Jones vs Gane

Image Source: Bloody Elbow

The former Heavyweight Champion, Stipe Miocic tweeted on Sunday to tease a possible return for the winner of Jones vs Gane in March. Even in his interview at MMA Hour, the Croatioan-American firefighter answered positively to every question pointing towards a return.

Stipe went on to reveal that he was offered the Jon Jones fight long before Francis Ngannou was approached for the same. “They went a different direction,” the HW said.

The departure of Francis Ngannou has created some activity in the HW division. The top echelon of the division is starting to react and show interest in fights. Some fans believe it is so because the fighters were previously scared of Ngannou and upon his are now becoming more active.

Meanwhile, Stipe reacted and repinned his older tweet to remind the MMA world of his legacy and capabilities.

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