Miocic out to silence doubters: 'Bet against me, you're going to lose'

Stipe Miocic is embracing his role as underdog ahead of his main-event bout against UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 11.

"You think I'm going to lose? Good for you," he said in an interview with BetOnline.ag, according to MMA Fighting's Damon Martin. "You're going to waste a lot of money now. You're going to bet against me, you're going to lose some money. Sorry for that, but onto the next."

The 41-year-old is set to step into the Octagon for the first time since suffering a second-round KO at the hands of Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021.

Miocic believes his blend of experience and talents will pose issues for Jones.

"My speed, my angles, (and) I think punching power (will give him problems)," he said. "I hit a lot harder than people think. I think I have a great IQ. I always change it up and when something happens, I'll figure a way out."

Miocic has added almost 30 pounds to his frame since his last appearance. The Ohio native weighed in at 234 pounds for his matchup against Ngannou.

Boasting one of the most impressive resumes in the history of the heavyweight division, Miocic was victorious over Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem during his first title reign. He dropped the belt to Daniel Cormier at UFC 226 before defeating the Hall of Famer to recapture the title at UFC 241 and then won the trilogy bout at UFC 252.

The former champion wouldn't comment on speculation that the UFC 295 main event could possibly be the last of his illustrious career. His focus is on a matchup that features "two of the best going at it."

Despite his layoff and matchup against an opponent many consider the greatest of all time, Miocic insists he's not intimidated.

"I feel strong, I feel good," he said.