Stipe Miocic is a heavy handed striker who comes from a strong wrestling background. He went 4-0 as an amateur and began his professional career by dominating a solid level of competition. He was also a promising baseball player who drew attention from several MLB teams, and overall is a good athlete who holds well rounded potential as a fighter.

Early on Miocic has shown fantastic potential in his striking. He looks to establish his jab and range - displaying nice speed and accuracy in his punching. Blessed with superb knockout power, Miocic’s standup is centered around a powerful right hand cross that he sets up with a good lead left hook. He’s also capable of delivering powerful leg kicks, which he uses intelligently in opening up his punching game (and vice versa). To top it off, Miocic is equipped with a granite chin and certainly not the type of striker opponents will want to go blow to blow with. His defensive tendencies were quite sloppy to begin his career although Miocic has shown improving footwork and head movement as he’s gained experience. Miocic’s technique and composure have continue to improve as he demonstrated the ability to use his jab-cross combination effectively, while mixing in low kicks and using his footwork to stay on the outside. As his technique develops, Miocic inches closer to making the most of his incredible skill set.

When watching Miocic compete one might be tricked into believing that he has a striking background, when in fact he comes from a very strong amateur wrestling base. An All-American Wrestler in High School, Miocic made his way to NCAA Divison I school Cleveland State where he was nationally ranked at 197 pounds. Taking into account his striking prowess, it’s not surprising to learn that early on Miocic has used his wrestling “in reverse” (to keep the fight standing). Offensively he is capable of powering his opponent to the mat where he delivers a dangerous ground and pound assault from the top. Miocic will need to work on his BJJ and submissions, but he does have a chance at becoming a complete MMA fighter.