Stipe Miocic tried as hard as he could to not get overly emotional after defeating Fabricio Werdum and becoming UFC heavyweight champion at UFC 198.
But upon returning home to Cleveland and seeing the outpouring of support for the new champion, the emotions started to come out.
Miocic was greeted at the airport and has since showed off his new gold at the NBA playoffs with the Cleveland Cavaliers, an MLB game with the Cleveland Indians and practice for the Cleveland Browns.
“Honestly, I’ve never cried that much,” said Miocic, during an appearance Wednesday night on UFC Tonight. “Intense. It was amazing having so much support.
“It was overwhelming.”
Miocic (15-2) picked up his third straight win and improved to 6-1 over his last seven when he knocked out Werdum in just over two minutes. His likely first title defense will be vs. former Strikeforce champion Alistair Overeem.
“He’s got a four-fight win streak,” Miocic said. “He’s awesome.
“Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll beat them and keep that belt.”
