What's next for Stipe Miocic:

The fan favourite is right on the cusp of MMA immortality.

Arguably the greatest Heavyweight to grace the octagon scored a record tying second Heavyweight title defence at UFC 211 as Euclid, Ohio favourite Stipe Miocic defeated former foe and champ Junior 'Cigano' dos Santos, with a thunderous right hook first round stoppage, subsequently extending his unbeaten run to five, with five knockouts in each. Despite losing a hugely memorable and even contest against JDS back in 2014, Miocic returned in spectacular fashion, stopping New Zealander Mark Hunt before earning a crack at at Brazilian Fabrício Werdum with yet another highlight reel win over former UFC king Andrei Arlovski.

Travelling to hostile territory in the form of the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba, the passionate hometown faithful expressed their hatred for the American opposition that night with Matt Brown baring the brunt of the fans. Despite the odds in the favour of 'Vai Cavalo', the experienced grappler rushed forward early in the first round leaving his chin exposed, which failed him at the first real test from Miocic, as the newly crowned Heavyweight king leap cageside in utter ecstasy. Stipe was then rewarded with a UFC 203 main event slot against the most decorated striker in MMA history in the form of former PRIDE, Strikeforce and DREAM demolisher, Alistair Overeem. This time Miocic was in his own back garden as the Quicken Loans Arena hosted the event. Despite a tentavite opening from 'The Reem' the Dutchman sprung with a stiff straight, dropping Stipe before leaping into a guillotine but couldn't force the tap from Miocic. Back to his feet after clearing the cobwebs, Overeem shot for a frail single leg, with Stipe avoiding and from a stacked guard, stopped Overeem with heavy ground and pound. So can Miocic be regarded as the G.O.A.T. of the Heavyweight divison? He's certainly on the cusp, but another record breaking title defence would solidify his greatness.

Cain Velasquez contest: I want this meeting more than any other in the Heavyweight divison right now! If Cain can prove his fitness, then what's stopping this meeting. Think of the booking, the former champ who's record's been tied, attempting to stop the breaking of such accomplishment. Last featuring at UFC 200, the fan favourite merked Travis 'Hapa' Browne in his octagon return before being pulled from his rematch with the aforementioned Werdum, after he was deemed unable to compete. Originally claiming the most prestigious title in combat sports from Brock Lesnar at UFC 121, 'Cardio' Cain lost to dos Santos in the pairs premier bout before recovering against Antônio Silva to earn a shot at JDS once more, this time sealing redemption with a unanimous decision win. Velasquez then defending against 'Bigfoot' Silva before completing his trilogy against JDS with a fifth round finish. Velasquez was then pitted against Fedor Emelianenko conqueror Werdum in Mexico. Reknowed for his incredible stamina, uncharacteristically, 'Cardio' Cain gassed in the third round and as he attempted a single leg, fell into a tight guillotine as wiley grappler Werdum claimed the undisputed crown. A true meeting for the ages with such a good back story to involve the fans.

Francis Ngannou meeting: Quite a dangerous contest that doesn't really justify a meeting of the minds isn't as unlikely as you may think. With the recent meteoric rise of 'The Predator' the UFC brass may look to solidify his star with a title tilt. One of the heaviest hitters in recent memory Cameroon born Ngannou, is currently unbeaten in the promotion, with his biggest success occurring against former champ Andrei Arlovski a top UFC Fight Night Denver, earning him the #5 ranking in the divison. With former foes Werdum and Overeem set to go to war for a third time at UFC 213, imagine a meeting between champion Ngannou and Overeem, a true passing of the striking torch. In my opinion Ngannou is an incredibly gifted puncher, but is simply a one dimensional challenger to Miocic's crown at this moment, with former Heavyweight contender Brendan Schaub comparing the youngster to "Cheick Congo with braids", and if recent rumblings are to be believed, Velasquez may await 'The Predator.

Derrick Lewis V Mark Hunt winner: Probably the most unlikely option lying ahead of Miocic, would be a meeting against either top ten contenders Derrick 'The Black Beast' Lewis or a rematch against 'Super Samoan' Hunt. With both set to throw down on the 11th of June, expect an early result, most likely from knockout as  both men are undeniably two of the biggest of strikers currently on the roster today. #5 ranked Lewis survived a scare to stop Travis Browne last time out, while Hunt was empathetically finished by a trademark Overeem knee in his most recent octagon appearance. A potentially dangerous matchup with dangerous repercussions for Stipe.

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