UFC’s Stipe Miocic: Part-time firefighter and MMA fighter

STIPE Miocic might be at the top of the tree in the UFC but he still considers fighting a part-time job. Firefighting is his other great love

He’s confident of this on fight day

STIPE Miocic might be close to the top of the UFC’s heavyweight division but he still considers fighting a part-time job.

His mainevent matchup opposite Aussie Mark Hunt at the UFC Adelaide event on Sunday will be his ninth for the promotion, but this gentle giant admits he shares his love for the sport with his other job — firefighting.

He started firefighting seven years ago and is stationed at Oakwood Village and Valley View in Ohio.

“I liked the whole vibe and helping people and stuff like that,” he said.

“Just the way they set up everything. They (firefighters) do great stuff in Australia, I saw them work a little bit. I saw them train and it’s very cool. I’m part time in both departments and get to pick my schedule. I pick a lot of night shifts so I can train twice a day. It doesn’t get in the way of my fighting.”

He’s confident of this on fight day

Hunt has said that he’s going to aim for the knockout on Sunday, but Miocic is quietly confident of victory.

“He’s confident so good for him but I’m pretty fast myself,” he said.

“I’m getting better everyday and working my way up that ladder. I’m going to win ... you’ll see how I’m doing when I get my hand raised.”

Miocic is Croatian by heritage and he has recently been training with that country’s most famous MMA star, Mirko Cro Cop.

Training session with his mate Mirko Cro Cop (right)

Miocic is very proud of his Croatian heritage

Miocic signed with the UFC in 2011 and he’s enjoyed victories over six opponents including heavy hitters Roy Nelson and Gabriel Gonzaga.

His last showing in the Octagon was a five round battle with former UFC heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos.

Miocic made his MMA debut in 2010 and has won 12 of his 14 fights.

Prior to that he received interest from Major-league Baseball teams during his collegiate years at Cleveland State University.

As for appearing in a firefighter’s calender he said he’s down for whatever.

Sunday’s card includes Aussies Robert Whittaker, Jake Matthews, Kyle Noke, former Olympian Dan Kelly, Bec Rawlings and Alex Chambers.