Stipe Miocic: Representing Cleveland and Croatia on his rise towards the top

Rising young Heavyweight contender Stipe Miocic is prepared for his UFC 146 bout with returning opponent Shane del Rosario. Since coming to the UFC in 2011, Miocic is 2-0 after knocking out Phi Defries at the very first UFC on Fuel TV. He recently had some commenes about his short tenure with the organization, via UFC.com:

“It’s awesome. I really can’t say much. It’s fantastic. I’m excited. It’s been great, and keeps getting better. Keep winning, that’s the name of the game.”

Miocic has winning on his mind, and keeps strong with the help of his Strong Style fighting team in Cleveland, Ohio. The Croatian fighter is also a volunteer firefighter in Cleveland, staying close to the roots of his home state. Miocic continued on aboout his upcoming bout with Shane del Rosario:

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“I’ve been training, so I’m in shape. He’s a gamer; he’s a tough dude, and I’m sure he’s going to come to fight. My coaches have been breaking videos down, but it’s hard to say what’s going to happen because he’s been out of the cage for a year-and-a-half after a terrible accident. I just take it in stride, (and try to) keep getting better each fight. I have my coaches on me, telling me stuff to keep working on. I have no say in who I fight — they give me the call, and I’m fortunate and thankful that they’ve given me this fight at UFC 146. It’s a great opportunity, but you’ve got to keep getting better, and keep winning. That’s what people want to see.”

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Stipe Miocic appears to have a grounded attitude headed into the biggest fight of his life. He is thankful for his opportunity in the UFC, and does his best to represent the state of Ohio. His recent run has left him undefeated with nowhere to go but up, albeit in a crowded division full of top talent. Still, Miocic will not let that fact phase him, simply stating:

“I’m looking for a three-round war, and I’m expecting him to be tough as nails, but I’m going to get that W no matter how it ends.”

UFC 146 has the potential to be an amazing fight card. Who will emerge victorious in this battle of promising young stars?