If the heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic hasn't fought again this year, it's because he's currently in negotiations with the UFC for the renewal of his contract. In fact, in September he stated that he could do it in December or January.
"We are talking with the UFC to fight in December or January. Everything is fine. I have a great management team and we are doing everything we're supposed to do. There are many possible opponents. In the heavyweight division, anything can happen. That's what is scary about this division. No matter how good you are, you can lose to anyone. We haven't talked about who the contender might be. Francis Ngannou is a tough guy. He's been fighting everyone and improving in every fight. He certainly has a great future. I'll fight anyone the UFC wants. Overeem, Volkov, Cain. Whoever they say, I won't reject it. I would love to fight Cain Velasquez. It would be an exciting fight. Unfortunately, he's injured right now. I hope he gets better because he's a really nice guy."
Disregarding the next month, today MMA Fighting confirms that the negotiations between the fighter and the company are going well, so the champion could return to compete in the first quarter of 2018.
It will be when he makes his third defense of the heavyweight title. At the moment, he doesn't have an opponent, but it will surely be the winner of Francis Ngannou vs. Alistair Overeem. The Cameroonian fighter spoke about this fight last October.
"I was very frustrated because my last fight was in January. But now I have a good opportunity. I've been preparing for Alistair Overeem for a long time. And I believe he's a better opponent than Junior Dos Santos. There's no way a win won't give me the title opportunity. Alistair Overeem is very intelligent and has a good game plan. He changed a few years ago and has become a great fighter. But I am stronger and faster. I will knock him out. And then I will fight for the title."
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