Time is usually a determining factor to provide perspective and that’s definitely the case with Stipe Miocic — who announced his retirement from the UFC following his loss to Jon Jones early Nov. 17 at Madison Square Garden. It obviously wasn’t the way the two-time UFC heavyweight champion wanted to go out, but that’s life as a MMA fighter. In the third round of their title fight, a spinning leg kick by Jones to Miocic’s ribs dropped him to all fours and that was it — literally. Moments later, Miocic, 42, told the sold-out crowd at MSG he was done. “I’m hanging ‘em up,” he said to Joe Rogan inside the octagon. Stipe Miocic announced his retirement after #UFC309 A legendary career for the former UFC heavyweight champion pic.twitter.com/ClJwvD1ayW — ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024 Related Articles Jon Jones sends Stipe Miocic into retirement with third-round KO A loss is never the way a fighter wants to step away, but Miocic’s legacy is intact as arguably the greatest heavyweight in UFC history. The results and stats reflect that. Where it all began is what I’ll remember the most covering one of the most unique athletes Northeast Ohio has ever produced. He was the Rocky Balboa of Cleveland. He was humble, unassuming and a gentle giant — until he got in the octagon. Thousands in Northeast Ohio will always remember him simply as “Stipe,” but my first impression will always be different. During my early years at The News-Herald while covering area high school wrestling in the late 1990s, then-Eastlake North wrestling coach Mike Kokitka told me about one of his up-and-coming sophomores. “His name is Steve Miocic,” said Kokitka. “He’s an animal.” Tim Phillis - The News-HeraldStipe Miocic celebrates after retaining the UFC heavyweight championship on Sept. 10, 2016 at Quicken Loans Arena. (Tim Phillis — For The News-Herald) During his time at North High School, Miocic went by Steve before eventually going back to his given first name. It was probably to avoid inevitable questions about his Croation heritage. It’s safe to say many of us haven’t met or know anyone with the first name “Stipe” — other than the Stipe with the last name Miocic. That only adds to his mystique. And yes he was an “animal” as a high school wrestler. He almost won the Division I state championship at 215 pounds during his senior year before settling for a runner-up finish. He was also a standout football and baseball player for the Rangers. But it wasn’t until he walked into Marcus Marinelli’s Strong Style MMA gym in Independence that Miocic’s life changed forever — and the “animal” eventually became a sports celebrity and UFC world champion. Yet, his personality wasn’t much different from teenager to professional athlete in his 30s and 40s. Miocic vowed when he became heavyweight champion in 2016 that he wouldn’t change with success and he didn’t. Miocic loved winning and being the champion but he wasn’t a fan of the spotlight and attention. He enjoys his life as a firefighter and paramedic and being a family man with his wife and two children. That low-key demeanor and humble personality doesn’t mean he won’t be remembered as one of Northeast Ohio’s greatest champions. Miocic’s UFC career spanned 14 years, 20 wins against five losses, and two stints as the heavyweight champion. He is the only heavyweight to defend the belt three consecutive times. His four total title defenses at heavyweight is also a UFC record, and his six total title fight wins are tied for the most in heavyweight history. Miocic’s 1,579 total strikes are second-most in UFC heavyweight history. Northeast Ohioans will never forget his first title defense, a stirring first-round knockout of Alistair Overeem in 2016 at then-Quicken Loans Arena. The precursor to that moment was Miocic getting knocked down himself, only to get up and finish the job. It was a blue-collar effort. Northeast Ohio instantly fell in love with their new champion. Morning Journal fileUFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic during the Cavaliers’ victory parade after winning the 2016 NBA Finals. (News-Herald file) Don’t expect any type of send-off to retirement for the former champion. Instead, Miocic will return to work this week at the Westlake Fire Department. “Just a blue-collar dude who went out there, and fought,” said Miocic last week when asked how he wanted to be remembered during a pre-fight news conference in New York. “Was never given anything. It was all earned. Just a blue-collar dude who liked to fight.” Time will reflect that. From “Steve” to “Stipe,” from firefighter to world champ and from husband to father, Miocic truly was a 1 of 1 to the end of his time inside the octagon.