It didn't take long after Stipe Miocic defended his heavyweight belt over Daniel Cormier in the main event of UFC 252 on Saturday for Miocic's Cleveland fans to chime in on social media.
From LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers' official Twitter account, the firefighter from the Cleveland suburb of Valley View was praised, as was Cormier, for a great effort to close an epic trilogy.
Miocic had defended the UFC heavyweight title a record three straight times before falling to Cormier in 2018. Miocic regained the title from Cormier the following year, setting up Saturday night's trilogy fight, which the UFC billed as the biggest heavyweight title fight ever.
And did the fight ever deliver.
Great heavyweight fight!! #UFC252 #TeamStipe #HomeTeamRep 🙏🏾💪🏾👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) August 16, 2020
It didn't take long for several stars to challenge Miocic.
Avoid Stipe's right hand, I'm too fast, I'll be too strong when the time is right and have way too much energy. Soon and very soon I'll be considered the baddest man on this planet
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 16, 2020
Seat down and wait your turn, I got next. https://t.co/4661B0zNmP
— Francis Ngannou (@francis_ngannou) August 16, 2020
Congratulations @stipemiocic 👏 214lb Volk is coming for ya!! #ufc252
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) August 16, 2020
Saturday night's fight was expected to be the last for the 41-year-old Cormier.
Keep your head up champ @dc_mma! Legends never die! #ufc252 pic.twitter.com/E7KOpxxVPc
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) August 16, 2020
To still be fighting at the highest level at 40yrs old you cant not respect DC.
— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) August 16, 2020
Has been an incredible role model, athlete and one of the greatest minds this sport has ever seen.
Even though he didnt get the W, congrats on an incredible career 👏🏻👏🏻 #UFC252
Thanks for everything @dc_mma. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for you pic.twitter.com/xGHtWQlS6P
— danawhite (@danawhite) August 16, 2020
Stipe fought a great fight tn! DC did well before that end of the 2nd RD., but Stipe's strategy really kept the pace and tempo of the fight in his corner. Nothing for DC to be ashamed about. He's had a stellar career! Hats off to both men.#UFC252
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 16, 2020
They should've gave DC 5 minutes after the bell once we saw the replay. Don't start the round until he's good
— Kevin MTP Lee (@MoTownPhenom) August 16, 2020
AAAAAND STILLLL !!
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) August 16, 2020
Baddest Man on the PLANET.#UFC252 @stipemiocic 🏆 #SM
LETS GOOOOOO @stipemiocic PUT ON FOR THE LAND 🔥 #AndStill #BaddestManOnThePlanet
— Myles Garrett ⚡️ (@MylesLGarrett) August 16, 2020
Great fight 🤛🏻 @dc_mma #UFC252
— Bret Hart (@BretHart) August 16, 2020
That was a fight. Good sh!t DC! Stipe v N'gannou!! #UFC252
— Lil Wayne WEEZY F (@LilTunechi) August 16, 2020