Never before in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has a heavyweight champion defended the title three times in a row. Until now that is. Last night (Jan. 20) in Boston, Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic successfully defended his title for the third time against challenger Francis Ngannou. With this victory, Miocic writes himself into the history books and unquestionably earns the title "Baddest Man on the Planet."

An unassuming champion

In an age where talking and big personalities seem to dominate most sports, especially fighting, Stipe Miocic is a rare breed.

Miocic does none of the trash talking that many of his counterparts partake in. Quite the contrary, as a matter of fact. Miocic usually keeps his nose to the grindstone, content to let his fighting do the talking, a good strategy since he is the most dominant heavyweight champion in the history of the sport. The humble personality Miocic exhibits in the octagon and in interviews are genuine. The UFC heavyweight champion of the world still has a day job as a fireman and keeps the same schedule he would if he weren't a fighter. It is, in fact, his co-workers at the firehouse, along with his wife, that Miocic credits with keeping him humble and his head in the right place. None of his friends, family, or co-workers treat the champ any differently, instead, they give him a hard time for the title he carries with quiet determination.

A big fight with an even bigger guy

The fight with Francis Ngannou is one of the biggest fights the UFC has had in quite a while. Ngannou is a giant man, with astonishing knockout power. He is, quite frankly, one of the most frightening fighters on the UFC roster. Ngannou has fought his way to the top of the heavyweight rankings, systematically knocking his opponents out with a terrifying combination of accuracy and power.

When the UFC announced the fight between Ngannou and Stipe Miocic, fight fans everywhere held their breath wondering if Miocic had finally met his match. The first couple rounds saw Ngannou push the Champ, catching Miocic with some good shots here and there. Miocic, however, was ready and took Ngannou down at will. At the end of the day, Miocic's cardio, skill, and heart outlasted the giant Ngannou, who was tired by the fourth round and visibly struggling.

Miocic held his ground and won the fight, defending his title for a record third time.

As the UFC, and fighting evolves, some things remain the same. A good, honest fighter that is a humble and brave champion, remains one of the greatest assets the organization has. Stipe Miocic not only defended his title and cemented his legacy. He also created a hero and an inspiration for young fighters to look up to and aspire to be. Miocic, by winning this fight, helped sow the seeds of victory in future generations to come.
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