WhatCulture UFC Awards: Best Of 2019
8. Comeback Of The Year - Stipe Miocic Vs. Daniel Cormier 2
After knocking out then title-holder Fabricio Werdum in 2016 at UFC 198, Stipe Miocic went on an exceptional run as the heavyweight champion. The Cleveland native beat a who's who of contenders, even breaking the record for most heavyweight title defenses in the process.
However, his title reign was stopped short by former UFC light heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier, at UFC 226. Cormier landed a brilliant strike inside the clinch that sent Miocic hurtling towards the canvas in a heap. It took a year for Miocic to get his rematch and return to the Octagon. However, when he did, he came back with the sole intention of regaining the belt from the man who took it from him.
The highly-anticipated rematch took place at UFC 241 in August, with many fans believing that Cormier had the former champion's number. The first few rounds looked like that was the case, as DC took the fight to Miocic, using some brilliant boxing to pick him apart.
However, once Miocic adjusted his game-plan, the tide quickly turned against the then champion. Miocic began to land heavy body shots to Cormier's abdomen, slowly, but surely breaking Cormier down until he succumbed to the punishment and wilted against the cage.
Miocic's talent has never been questioned, but to come back after a year on the sidelines and beat the man who took his belt from him is more than enough to earn this particular award.