Stipe Miocic bummed that Ngannou trilogy unlikely after UFC exit: 'I wish Francis hadn't left'

Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is sad to see one of his biggest, if not the biggest matchup walk away.

Miocic wasn’t pleased to see Francis Ngannou refuse a contract renewal and walk away from the UFC. Ngannou, who was the undisputed heavyweight champion, has been stripped, and a vacant title fight between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane has been put in place for UFC 285 in March.

Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) is 1-1 against Ngannou and was hoping to get a trilogy bout and settle the series. The chances of that happening have greatly dwindled with Ngannou’s exit.

“I wish Francis hadn’t left,” Miocic told Ariel Helwani. “I would’ve loved to fight Francis again, but it’s not going to happen.”

Ngannou believed he wasn’t getting a fair shake in terms of his contract, and due to several reasons, he walked away from the UFC. Although Miocic wishes that wasn’t the case, he won’t judge Ngannou’s decision.

“It’s his decision,” Miocic said. I wish he would’ve stayed, because I would’ve loved another crack at him, you know. Of course, it didn’t pan out that way, but he’s doing what’s best for him and his family. He thinks it’s the right way to go, and that’s his decision. I wish him nothing but the best and hope it works out.”