They say that you can’t truly be considered a champion until you defend your title.
And given the explosive power at play in the UFC’s heavyweight division, there isn’t a more difficult belt to defend in all of combat sports.
But there can be no arguments made against Stipe Miocic’s status as the baddest man on the planet as he came through rough waters to retain his belt in the main event of UFC 203 on Saturday night.
In his native Ohio, Miocic weathered the trademark early storm from heavy-handed challenger Alistair Overeem.
A more cautious Overeem was literally running at stages when he entered defence mode but, in attack, he looked sharp and a crisp straight left dropped the champion.
#AndStill! @stipemiocicufc KOs @Alistairovereem after a thrilling fight! ? #UFC203 https://t.co/aIkMfmtw2m
— #UFC203 (@btsportufc) September 11, 2016
But Miocic would not be denied in his home state and he continued to come forward, chasing the Dutchman who did not want to enter boxing range.
Unable to coax Overeem into a boxing match, Miocic opted to take the wrestling route as he pounced on his opponents’ legs and started throwing bombs from Overeem’s wide-open guard.
One weighty right hand through the forearms was enough to turn the lights out and the loudest roar of the night soon followed when Miocic’s hand was raised to the bellowing Bruce Buffer.
“And still!”
