Junior Dos Santos' next fight opponent Stipe Miocic foresees a victory over the former champion in their upcoming bout. The number five-ranked heavyweight is also targeting a title shot if he does emerge victorious.
Junior Dos Santos' next fight against Stipe Miocic is the headline bout for UFC on FOX 13, scheduled for December 13th in Phoenix, Arizona. But while the fight is still two months away, Miocic already foresees a likely victory on fight night. His statements, rightfully, were said with a lot of respect towards the former champion.
"He's a great guy, he's a good fighter," Miocic said of Dos Santos in an interview with MMA Fighting. "He moves a lot, there's no question the big boy moves fast. He hits hard, just like any fighter in the heavyweight division.
"I respect him a lot," Miocic continued, speaking about Junior Dos Santos' next fight. He's a former champ, the guy knows what he's doing in there. He's a veteran. But I'll be ready come December 13th."
Despite sitting on the number five spot of the UFC's heavyweight rankings, Miocic's climb towards reaching the belt is a slow one, to say the least. He currently holds a record of 12-1 (9 wins by stoppage), and has won four of his last five fights.
This was why the 32-year old native of Euclid, Ohio is clamoring to face the winner of the upcoming heavyweight title bout between champion Cain Velasquez and his challenger Fabricio Werdum, should he emerge victorious against Junior Dos Santos.
"I mean, wouldn't you think so? I'd think so," Miocic claimed. "Junior is ranked second. That would move me up to be right behind Werdum, so I think whatever happens after that fight, I should get a shot."
"He's fought for the title plenty of times," he continued. He's been champion. He's been [sidelined] for a while, but definitely once I beat him, I think I should get that chance."
