Earlier this week Daniel Cormier signalled his intention to fight heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic for a third time, but it now looks like it won’t happen until next year due to eye injuries he suffered during his previous fight with DC.
“I’ll be ready to fight when I can see out of both eyes again,” Miocic told ESPN. “I can’t wait to defend my belt.”
Miocic’s agent Jim Walter later gave ESPN a more detailed update on Miocic’s current situation.
“Mr. Miocic sustained a major retina injury from multiple eye pokes during his bout at UFC 241,” Walter said. “Our client’s health and safety is our top priority. We are excited for him to return to action when he is healthy to compete in his seventh consecutive world title fight.”
There had been some doubt as to whether Cormier might opt to retire following Miocic’s big comeback win at UFC 241 last month, but after taking time out to think things over, the 40-year-old said he’d go back and try to win the title back before finally hanging up his gloves for good after that.
Dana White had already indicated that he wanted the fight to take place, and with Miocic on-board after his eyes heal it seems that 2020 has it’s first big headliner lined up.