LAS VEGAS -- It was Jan. 20, 2018, when Stipe Miocic outclassed Francis Ngannou to defend his UFC heavyweight title. The truth about that fight, however, was that Ngannou wasn't ready to be a champion. Take nothing from Miocic, who was terrific that night in Boston, but Ngannou was so inexperienced, so overwhelmed by the speed in which he'd gotten there. He lost by unanimous decision.
"I still remember I was asking myself, 'How does it feel to fight a third round?' How do I prepare for a title fight?'" Ngannou told ESPN. "I was sitting in my hotel room before the fight and was like, 'What's after this?