Joe Rogan believes Stipe Miocic will ‘be better’ in Cormier rematch

Last year, Daniel Cormier planted a bomb on the chin of Stipe Miocic, ending the Croatian-American’s historic reign as the heavyweight champion with a first-round KO. On August 17, in the main event of UFC 241, Miocic will have the opportunity to reclaim the title from Cormier, and UFC commentator Joe Rogan expects him to perform much better this time around.

Miocic has not fought since his first meeting with Cormier. While some fans expect ring rust to be a factor for the long absent former champion, Rogan believes he’ll benefit from the time off.

“DC connected with that beautiful punch in the clinch, but Stipe has had over a year to stew on that…” Rogan told his guest Brendan Schaub on the Joe Rogan Experience.

“I don’t know if that’s a good thing,” Schaub interjected. “I think ring rust will be an issue. DC’s been way more active [than Stipe].”

“I think [the time off is] a good thing for Stipe,” the UFC commentator continued. “Stipe’s an animal, I’m not worried about that. I think he’s going to be better.”

“Stipe’s a real veteran. He’s a humble dude. He’s a hard ass, he’s not going to come in there with a lot of expectations on himself, he’s just going to do his best, I think.

“If Donald Cerrone were to take a year off and then fight a title, I’d be like ‘woo, I’d like Donald to get a fight in,” Joe Rogan concluded.

Prior to his loss to Daniel Cormier, Stipe Miocic defend the UFC heavyweight title a record-breaking three times, defeating Francis Ngannou by decision and knocking out Junior dos Santos and Alistair Overeem. He won the title by knocking out Fabricio Werdum in the first round.

How do you think he’ll perform in his UFC 241 rematch with Cormier? Do you agree with Joe Rogan that the former champ will benefit from his prolonged break?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 5/28/2019.