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Ohio firefighter defends UFC Heavyweight Championship

Stipe Miocic won by first-round TKO, and sent a message of gratitude to first responders

By FireRescue1 Staff

CLEVELAND — Stipe Miocic, a firefighter-paramedic for Valley View Fire Department, defended the UFC Heavyweight title against Alistair Overeem by first-round TKO Saturday. In the process, he won a $50,000 bonus check for “Fight of the Night.”

Miocic became the UFC Heavyweight Champion after knocking out the former UFC champion Fabricio Werdum in May of this year.

Miocic was floored by an early punch, but was able to recover and get back to his feet. Later in the round, he assumed top control and hit his opponent with hard shots, forcing the referee to stop the fight at 4:27 of the first round.

Following the win, Miocic gave a backstage interview urging viewers to thank first responders.

“Let’s all stand together,” said Miocic. “If you see a policeman, a fireman, or someone at the hospital, tell them thank you. God bless them all.”

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