Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou fought twice in the UFC, and each won once. Miocic won their first fight by unanimous decision at UFC 220 on January 20, 2018.
Ngannou won the rematch by knockout at UFC 260 on March 27, 2021, stopping Miocic at 0:52 of Round 2 to win the UFC heavyweight title.
Key Takeaways
- Head-to-head record: 1–1.
- First fight: Miocic won by unanimous decision at UFC 220.
- Rematch: Ngannou won by KO/TKO at UFC 260.
- First fight score: All three judges scored it 50–44 for Miocic.
- Key difference: Miocic’s wrestling helped him win the first fight, while Ngannou’s takedown defense and striking helped him win the rematch.
- Third fight: No third bout is confirmed, and Miocic announced his retirement in November 2024.
Stipe vs Ngannou: Fight Results
Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou fought twice for the UFC heavyweight title. Their first fight lasted five rounds. The rematch ended early in the second round.
| Detail | First Fight | Rematch |
|---|---|---|
| Event | UFC 220 | UFC 260 |
| Date | January 20, 2018 | March 27, 2021 |
| Winner | Stipe Miocic | Francis Ngannou |
| Method | Unanimous decision | KO/TKO |
| Fight length | Five rounds | Round 2, 0:52 |
| Title result | Miocic kept the belt | Ngannou won the belt |
| Head-to-head record after fight | Miocic led 1–0 | Tied at 1–1 |
The two results show how much a heavyweight fight can change. Miocic used wrestling and control to win over five rounds in 2018. Ngannou stopped him in 2021 with a short, powerful striking attack.
Stipe Miocic vs Ngannou 1: UFC 220
The first fight took place on January 20, 2018, at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Miocic entered the fight as the UFC heavyweight champion. Ngannou was a rising contender known for his knockout power. Many fans expected Ngannou’s punches to pose a major threat to the champion.
Miocic had a different plan. He mixed striking with wrestling, took Ngannou down, and made him work throughout the fight.
Why Did Miocic Win the First Fight?
1. He used wrestling to control the fight.
Miocic completed six takedowns, according to the UFC’s event report. These takedowns helped him bring Ngannou to the ground and limit his chances to land powerful punches.
Once on the ground, Miocic used his position and weight to make Ngannou work. This took away time and energy that Ngannou could have used for striking.
2. He made the fight last five rounds.
Miocic kept a steady pace over 25 minutes. As the fight went on, Ngannou had a harder time keeping up with the champion’s pressure and repeated wrestling attacks.
The longer fight favored Miocic’s ability to mix skills instead of relying on one type of attack.
3. He avoided relying only on power.
Miocic did not try to win by trading big punches at every chance. He used movement, boxing, clinches, and takedowns to create safer ways to attack.
That mix made it harder for Ngannou to focus on landing one fight-ending punch.
What Was the Score of Stipe vs Ngannou 1?
All three judges scored the fight 50–44 for Miocic. He won by unanimous decision and kept the heavyweight title.
The win also gave Miocic his third successful consecutive defense of the UFC heavyweight title, a record at the time.
The first fight showed that Ngannou’s power could be limited by a strong, well-planned wrestling game. It did not mean that Ngannou could never beat Miocic. The rematch proved that point.
Stipe vs Ngannou 2: UFC 260
The rematch took place on March 27, 2021, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Miocic was still the heavyweight champion. Ngannou had earned another title shot after winning his next fights and improving his overall game.
This time, Ngannou did a better job of dealing with Miocic’s wrestling. He also used his striking with more control and took advantage of openings when they appeared.
How Did Ngannou Beat Miocic?
1. He defended an early takedown.
Miocic tried to take Ngannou down, but Ngannou stopped the attempt. He then landed strikes while Miocic was on the ground and continued attacking when they stood up.
This was a major change from their first fight. In 2018, Miocic had completed six takedowns. In 2021, Ngannou showed that he could stop an early wrestling attack.
2. He landed a left hand that dropped Miocic.
Early in Round 2, Ngannou landed a left hand that sent Miocic to the canvas. Miocic got back to his feet and tried to fight back.
Ngannou did not give him much time to recover. He landed another short left hand that dropped the champion again.
3. He finished the fight with follow-up strikes.
Ngannou followed Miocic to the ground and landed more strikes. Referee Herb Dean stopped the fight at 0:52 of Round 2.
The official result was KO/TKO. Ngannou became the UFC heavyweight champion and tied the rivalry at one win each.
The rematch showed that Ngannou could do more than land powerful punches. He also showed better answers to Miocic’s early wrestling attack and made the most of his striking openings.
Stipe Miocic vs Francis Ngannou: Stats
The official UFC profiles list Miocic at 6 feet 4 inches tall with an 80-inch reach, and Ngannou at 6 feet 4 inches tall with an 83-inch reach. Fighter listings can change across sources, so official profiles are the best starting point for these figures.
| Feature | Stipe Miocic | Francis Ngannou |
|---|---|---|
| Listed height | 6 ft 4 in | 6 ft 4 in |
| Listed reach | 80 in | 83 in |
| Main strengths | Boxing, wrestling, and fight control | Punching power, striking, and finishing ability |
| First fight | Won by unanimous decision | Lost by unanimous decision |
| Rematch | Lost by KO/TKO | Won by KO/TKO |
| Head-to-head wins | 1 | 1 |
| UFC heavyweight title result | Retained title in 2018 | Won title in 2021 |
Who Has the Longer Reach?
Ngannou has the longer listed reach at 83 inches, compared with Miocic’s 80 inches. That gives Ngannou a three-inch reach advantage on the listed figures.
A longer reach can help a fighter land punches from farther away. But it does not decide a fight on its own. Timing, footwork, defense, wrestling, and the ability to manage distance all matter.
Miocic showed this in their first fight. He used movement and takedowns to limit Ngannou’s chances to strike freely.
Who Has More Knockout Power?
Ngannou is known for his exceptional punching power. His knockout win over Miocic at UFC 260 is a clear example of how quickly he can end a fight.
Miocic also has knockout wins and strong boxing skills. He does not rely on wrestling alone. He can combine punches with takedowns and pressure to create different ways to win.
The key difference is not that one fighter can strike and the other cannot. It is how each fighter uses his skills. Ngannou can end a fight with a single clean shot, while Miocic has often used a wider mix of striking and wrestling.
Why Did Miocic Win the First Fight but Lose the Rematch?
The main difference was how each fighter handled the other’s strengths.
In 2018, Miocic used takedowns and ground control to limit Ngannou’s striking. He made the fight last five rounds and won on the judges’ scorecards.
In 2021, Ngannou defended an early takedown and landed powerful strikes. Miocic could not repeat the same level of control, and Ngannou finished him in Round 2.
| Factor | UFC 220 in 2018 | UFC 260 in 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Wrestling | Miocic completed six takedowns | Ngannou stopped an early takedown |
| Fight length | Five full rounds | Ended at 0:52 of Round 2 |
| Main turning point | Miocic’s wrestling and control | Ngannou’s left hands and follow-up strikes |
| Result | Miocic won by decision | Ngannou won by KO/TKO |
| Title outcome | Miocic kept the belt | Ngannou won the belt |
The first fight showed how wrestling could limit Ngannou’s power. The rematch showed that Ngannou could defend an early takedown and use his striking to win.
These results tell us what worked on those two nights. They do not prove that either fighter would win every possible rematch.
Who Is Better: Stipe Miocic or Francis Ngannou?
The answer depends on what you want to compare.
For their head-to-head record, neither fighter leads. Miocic and Ngannou each won once.
For the first fight, Miocic had the better plan and result. He used wrestling, control, and steady pressure to win all three judges’ scorecards.
For the rematch, Ngannou had the better result. He stopped Miocic in Round 2 and won the heavyweight title.
For overall career legacy, the answer is more complex. Miocic built a long UFC career with multiple title defenses. Ngannou became UFC heavyweight champion and later continued his combat sports career outside the UFC.
A fair comparison should look at their full careers, not only the knockout or the 1–1 head-to-head record.
Will Stipe Miocic Fight Ngannou Again?
A third fight is not confirmed.
Miocic announced his retirement after losing to Jon Jones at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024. The UFC later published a retirement tribute to him.
Ngannou has also moved on from his UFC career. A third fight would require Miocic to return and both fighters to agree to compete.
For now, fans should treat a third fight as unconfirmed rather than an upcoming event.
FAQs:
Who won Stipe vs Ngannou?
Both fighters won once. Miocic won their first fight by unanimous decision at UFC 220 in 2018. Ngannou won the rematch by KO/TKO at UFC 260 in 2021.
How many times did Stipe and Ngannou fight?
They fought twice in the UFC. Miocic won the first fight, and Ngannou won the second. Their head-to-head record is tied at 1–1.
What was the score of the first fight?
All three judges scored the first fight 50–44 for Miocic. He won after five rounds and kept the UFC heavyweight title.
How did Ngannou knock out Miocic?
Ngannou dropped Miocic with a left hand early in Round 2. Miocic got back up, but Ngannou landed another left hand and followed with more strikes. The referee stopped the fight at 0:52 of the round.
Who is taller, Stipe Miocic or Francis Ngannou?
The UFC profiles list both fighters at 6 feet 4 inches tall. Ngannou has the longer listed reach: 83 inches compared with Miocic’s 80 inches.
Is Stipe Miocic retired?
Yes. Miocic announced his retirement after his loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309 in November 2024. The UFC later published a tribute to his career.
Is Francis Ngannou still in the UFC?
No. Ngannou left the UFC in 2023 and continued his career outside the promotion. His UFC fights with Miocic remain part of his record.
Will Miocic and Ngannou have a trilogy fight?
There is no confirmed third fight. Miocic announced his retirement in 2024, so a trilogy would require him to return and both fighters to agree to the bout.
Conclusion:
Stipe vs Ngannou is a 1–1 rivalry with two very different results. Miocic won the first fight by using wrestling, pressure, and control over five rounds.
Ngannou won the rematch by defending an early takedown, landing powerful left hands, and finishing the fight in Round 2.
Miocic showed how to limit Ngannou’s striking. Ngannou showed that he could adjust and win the heavyweight title. Both victories matter, and neither fight alone tells the full story of their careers.
Aiden Robert, an author at ReplyyGenius.com, where I share smart conversation tips, flirty replies, and practical communication ideas to help people reply with confidence.
