CLEVELAND — After becoming the UFC heavyweight reigning champion, Stipe Miocic said his career as a firefighter was instrumental in his victory.
Stipe, 33, beat reigning champion Fabricio Werdum earlier this month in Brazil after a knockout punch just two minutes into the match.
“It definitely does help because it allows you to be calm, cool and collected under any situation,” Miocic told Sky Sports.
Stipe celebrated in his home city of Cleveland; he continues to work as a firefighter-paramedic for Oakwood Village and Valley View fire departments.
“Even with fighting, you are calm. Even if it’s chaos, you still have to keep your mind right. I’ll be back at work. I will take my belt into show the guys, they want to see it.”
Cleveland pro sports teams should ask @stipemiocicufc to talk to their players. Should be a figure of inspiration. pic.twitter.com/8xIkAY5Rp4
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) May 16, 2016