Stipe Miocic appears to have grown tired of the accusations that he is avoiding a trilogy with Daniel Cormier.
On Monday, “DC” continued his verbal assault, urging Miocic to “sign the contract” for their third fight while once again mentioning the long-targeted August date.
"I get you're a firefighter. We admire that, and all those things about you," Cormier told ESPN. "You're also the champ of the world. Let's get this thing done. Let's fight in August.”
An exasperated Miocic, who told ESPN that the fall would likely work better for him, took to Twitter to address the Cormier situation, which was complicated due to the champion’s recovery from eye surgery and has become even more so as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“I want to fight DC. It’s going to happen, period. Im going to give my fans what they want to see. My management has been working on dates with UFC. Right now I’m doing what the Governor DeWine is advising and am working as a first responder. I can’t control a global pandemic,” Miocic wrote.
“My head coach can’t open his gym by law right now. I don’t hold myself higher than any other person in regards to what I’m allowed to do. Ohio is under orders until May 29. The second the gym can open, we begin camp. Plain and simple. I have never ducked anyone.
“I’ve never turned down a fight, and I never will. Strap [No. 6] coming soon.”
I want to fight DC. It’s going to happen period. Im going to give my fans what they want to see. My management has been working on dates with UFC. Right now I’m doing what the Governor DeWine is advising and am working as a first responder. I can’t control a global pandemic.
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) May 6, 2020
My head coach can’t open his gym by law right now. I don’t hold myself higher than any other person in regards to what I’m allowed to do. Ohio is under orders until May 29th. The second the gym can open, we begin camp. Plain and simple. I have never ducked anyone.
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) May 6, 2020
I’ve never turned down a fight, and I never will. Strap #6 coming soon #SM
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) May 6, 2020
Miocic holds the record for most successful UFC heavyweight title defenses with three. After relinquishing the strap in a knockout loss to Cormier at UFC 226, the Strong Style Fight Team representative reclaimed the throne with a fourth-round stoppage of “DC” at UFC 241 last August.