Stipe Miocic Faces Daniel Cormier in Champion vs. Champion Super Fight at UFC 226

Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier will face off in a champion versus champion super fight to headline International Fight Week 2018 as the headline bout at UFC 226 in Las Vegas on July 7.

UFC officials announced the blockbuster news on Friday.

It’s a stunning development as Miocic will put his title on the line against light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, who was actually undefeated at heavyweight before dropping down to 205 pounds.

Cormier had previously shot down the idea of moving back to heavyweight not only because he gave up so much size in that division but also to honor his teammate Cain Velasquez, who has been plotting his return to action in 2018.

According to Cormier in a statement to welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, he actually addressed the situation with Velasquez, who gave his blessing to go face Miocic with the heavyweight title on the line.

“I am a dream chaser. I had a long talk with Cain Velasquez. He told me this is OK. He gave me the blessing for the fight.” Cormier said. “I am gonna return to my original weight. I am gonna go out there and I am gonna take out the baddest man on the planet.”

In addition to the super fight taking place in July, Miocic and Cormier will also serve as coaches on the upcoming edition of “The Ultimate Fighter” season 27 with an undefeated cast of competitors from the lightweight and featherweight divisions.

Filming for the show is expected to kick off next week with “The Ultimate Fighter” season 27 set to debut on April 18 on FS1.

Following the end of the series, Miocic and Cormier will square off in a first time ever fight pitting heavyweight champion against light heavyweight champion in the main event at UFC 226 from the T-Moble Arena in Las Vegas.