Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic shared his opinion on former division champion Francis Ngannou's departure from the promotion.
It's his decision. I wish he stayed. I would have liked to fight him again. But unfortunately, that opportunity is gone. He's trying to improve his life and the life of his family. I can only wish him good luck. I hope everything works out for him.
Stipe Miocic, quoted by MMA Fighting
Earlier, Ngannou vacated the UFC heavyweight title and became a free agent. The belt will now be contested by Jones and Ciryl Gane. They will fight on March 4 at UFC 285 in Las Vegas.
Ngannou and Miocic fought in March 2021 at UFC 260. Francis knocked out Stipe Miocic in the second round. Ngannou, 36, has 17 wins and three losses under his belt. Miocic has 20 wins and four losses under his belt.