Stipe Miocic on Underdog Status vs. Jon Jones: ‘I Hit A Lot Harder Than People Think’

Stipe Miocic will make his return to the Octagon after a hiatus of over two years when he challenges Jon Jones for the heavyweight title at UFC 295. The highly anticipated clash will headline the marquee card set to go down at the Madison Square Garden, New York on Nov. 11.

Despite having the most title defenses in UFC heavyweight history, Miocic is a massive +340 underdog going into the fight against the -425 favorite “Bones.” However, the Ohio-based firefighter has defied the odds in several of his title fights, like in the rematch against Daniel Cormier and the first clash against Francis Ngannou.

While he is unbothered by the odds, Miocic did issue a warning to bettors about wagering against him.

“It took me a couple fights, but after a while, I just stopped caring what everyone thought,” Miocic told The Fight Guys in an interview for BetOnline. “I just don’t care anymore. You think I’m going to lose? Good for you. You’re going to waste a lot of money now. You’re going to bet against me, you’re going to lose some money. Sorry for that, but onto the next.”

Miocic also admitted to having issues putting on weight in the past but claims to be a good 245 pounds now after a diet adjustment. While he is aware that he is going up against arguably the greatest fighter of all time, the former heavyweight champ believes people underestimate some of his skills, like the power he packs in a shot.

“My speed, my angles, I think punching power [will give him problems],” Moicic said. “I hit a lot harder than people think. I think I have a great IQ. I always change it up and when something happens, I’ll figure a way out.”