Stipe Miocic Hints That ‘Time Has Come’ to Defend UFC Heavyweight Title

The time has come. Who’s ready!?#SM #AndStil pic.twitter.com/vF8TftZOpq

— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) June 7, 2020

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Stipe Miocic might finally be ready to defend his UFC heavyweight crown.

“The time has come,” Miocic wrote on Twitter. “Who’s ready? #SM #AndStill.

The reigning champion has been sidelined since undergoing eye surgery following a UFC 241 victory over Daniel Cormier last August. A potential return to action was further delayed when the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the Ohio-based firefighter from training at his gym.

Cormier, who has been very vocal about pushing for a trilogy with Miocic before he retires, was quite pleased to hear that the champion appears ready to return to the Octagon.

you’re done ! https://t.co/ZRLmCql8ky

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) June 8, 2020

Meanwhile, top contender Francis Ngannou had a different reaction, as he is ready for the division to move forward. “The Predator” has authored four consecutive first-round finishes and seems destined to get the next title shot once Miocic and Cormier have concluded their business.

“It’s been a year now, so stop fighting on social media and sign the contracts on your desks and lets move on,” Ngannou wrote.

It’s been almost a year now so stop fighting on social media and sign the contract on your desks and let’s move on #UNCROWNEDCHAMP https://t.co/CqlvgUA0ez

— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) June 8, 2020

Miocic has previously stated that September could be an ideal time for his trilogy with Cormier.