UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic says he is more than willing to finish his trilogy against Daniel Cormier in 2020, provided he gets a full training camp to do so.
Miocic (19-3) reclaimed his heavyweight title during their second fight by knocking out Cormier (22-2) in the fourth round at UFC 241 in August 2019. Miocic's victory evened the series between the two at 1-1. Cormier defeated Miocic the first time they fought, at UFC 226 in July 2018, via first-round knockout.
The UFC and Cormier, 41, have expressed interest in booking the third chapter of this rivalry later this year, potentially as early as August. Miocic, who is also a part-time firefighter in his home state of Ohio, told ESPN on Tuesday he is willing to accept the fight, but his gym is currently shut down due to COVID-19 measures.
"I have no cage, no training partners, nothing," Miocic said. "I need a full camp. I need to be back in the swing of things before I even get into camp, because that's how you get injured. I'm so used to training all the time and now I can't do anything. It's crazy. I have no training. There's no place for me to train.
"There's no way I can fight him in August. I have no idea what he's talking about. The state of Ohio is shut down. What do you want me to do?"
On Monday, Cormier called for Miocic to "sign the contract" for the trilogy, and admitted one of the biggest regrets of his career is losing the belt to him in the rematch, in a bout in which Cormier appeared to hold momentum early on. Cormier has indicated he plans to retire after one final bout against Miocic.
"I get you're a firefighter. We admire that, and all those things about you," Cormier said. "You're also the champ of the world. Let's get this thing done. Let's fight in August.
"I think he's said the last fight didn't start so well. It didn't start so well because I'm better than him. That's what it is. I'm going to start like that again, but this time, I'm not going to get tired. You're not going to punch me in the stomach for five minutes. We're going to prepare to beat him again. I think I beat him up so bad in the first round, I lost respect for him."
Miocic, who trains out of Strong Style Fight Team in Ohio, shrugged off Cormier's claims. The 37-year-old champion has missed time over the past nine months due to a torn left retina, which he suffered during the fight against Cormier, but said he's since recovered from the injury. He reiterated he will be ready to fight this fall, assuming gyms re-open in his home state.
"He let up? I don't care who you are, I would never let up in a fight," Miocic said. "That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. You're that dumb, you let up in a fight because you felt bad? Hey, whatever gives him confidence, good for him.
"Listen, late fall, whatever is fine. As long as everything works out and we can train and everything is open."