There hasn't been a heavyweight champion who's been able to defend the title belt two consecutive times. The only fighter to break that record was Cain Velasquez, but then he lost it in his third championship bout against Fabricio Werdum.

Three years ago after a five-round decision, Junior Dos Santos came out on top facing Stipe Miocic at UFC on Fox 13; and, he might be capable of doing it again this weekend. “On Saturday night, I’m ready to show him 100 percent of me.” The Brazilian told MMAjunkie Radio. The current champion was making his debut on the big stage, less experienced and hesitated to let his hands go on that fight.

On the other hand, the Brazilian landed more strikes, was more accurate and blocked most takedown attempts.

On Saturday, dos Santos will compete for the fifth time in a UFC title fight and if victorious, it will be the third time he puts the strap around his waist. Both fighters have a lot of power in both hands -- capable of finishing a fight at any time. But, Miocic has grown into a well-rounded MMA fighter and stronger puncher since their first time around inside the octagon. On May 13 2017, Miocic (16-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) will attempt to change history against his old enemy, when he squares off with Dos Santos (18-4 MMA, 12-3 UFC) for the second time.

The UFC pay-per-view headliner will take place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Stipe Miocic is looking for redemption

In 2014, Miocic was a heavyweight prospect with a lot of ambition and he crushed Dos Santos early on in the fight, but his conditioning wasn't there for 5 straight rounds, and Junior made a comeback.

Stipe stepped inside the octagon with a 6-1 record in the UFC and his MMA career was still developing. Since then, he has gotten a lot of success. Miocic comes into this bout with a better mindset after winning three straight fights and taking the heavyweight title from Fabricio Werdum and defending it against Alistair Overeem.

In addition, four of his wins have been incredible knockouts!

It's a big opportunity for Junior

Dos Santos has been inside the octagon with the world’s toughest fighters in the UFC. He has knockout power, speed and the best takedown defense in the entire division. Junior is hungry again and wants the title belt back. He's prepared very well to get it, he told "UFC Tonight." They are friends but the 33-year-old Brazilian knows what Stipe brings into the rematch.The first fight was a bloody back-and-forth battle and he’s not going to take the current champion lightly. After getting the heavyweight belt from Cain Velasquez in 2011, Dos Santos was dominant in the division; he collected nine straight wins and five of them were big knockouts. This Saturday, he will most definitely stand inside the pocket and trade punches with the champ!
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