Stipe Miocic is a name synonymous with grit, resilience, and blue-collar work ethic. Widely regarded as the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time, Miocic’s journey from a small-town Ohio kid to a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s break down his life, career, and achievements in detail.
Stipe Miocic’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Stipe Miocic |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Born | August 19, 1982, Euclid, Ohio, USA |
| Age | 42 years |
| College | Cleveland State University, Trevecca Nazarene University, Coker College |
| Religion | Catholic |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’4” (193 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | $4 million |
| Salary | $750,000 |
| Spouse | Ryan Marie Miocic |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | Meelah Claire, Mateo Cruz |
| Instagram Profile | @stipemiocic |
Early Career
Stipe Miocic grew up in Euclid, Ohio, the son of Croatian immigrants. Encouraged by his mother, he excelled in multiple sports, including baseball, football, and wrestling at Eastlake North High School. He continued wrestling at Cleveland State University and played college baseball, even drawing interest from MLB teams. Miocic’s athleticism led him to Golden Gloves boxing and eventually to MMA, where he quickly made a name for himself in Ohio’s regional circuits.
Professional Career
Miocic turned pro in 2010, dominating the North American Allied Fight Series and winning the NAAFS Heavyweight Championship. He debuted in the UFC in 2011, defeating Joey Beltran and quickly rising through the heavyweight ranks with a blend of powerful boxing and wrestling. Miocic captured the UFC Heavyweight title in 2016 by knocking out Fabricio Werdum and set a record with three consecutive title defenses.
He avenged losses to Junior dos Santos and Daniel Cormier, and became known for beating the best heavyweights of his era, including Francis Ngannou, Alistair Overeem, and Mark Hunt. Miocic’s legacy is built on his resilience, humility, and work ethic, both inside and outside the octagon.
Wife
Stipe Miocic is married to Ryan Marie Miocic (née Carney). The couple wed on June 18, 2016, at Divine Word Catholic Church in Kirtland, Ohio. They have two children: a daughter, Meelah Claire (born 2018), and a son, Mateo Cruz (born August 2021). Miocic is known for being a devoted husband and father, often sharing family moments on Instagram. His wife, Ryan Marie, is a trained nurse and has also worked as a hairstylist and real estate agent.
Stipe Miocic’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Stipe Miocic’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million. This figure encompasses his UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, endorsement deals, and other income sources. Despite his financial success, Miocic continues to work as a full-time firefighter for the security and benefits it provides his family.
Fight Purses
| Event (Year) | Opponent | Base Purse | Total Estimated Earnings (with PPV/bonuses) |
| UFC 309 (2024) | Jon Jones | $1,000,000 | Up to $3,000,000 |
| UFC 226 (2018) | Daniel Cormier | $750,000 | Not disclosed (plus bonuses/PPV) |
| UFC 220 (2018) | Francis Ngannou | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
Endorsements
- Modelo Especial (beer brand, official UFC partner)
- GovX (online retailer for military and first responders)
- Vayner Sports
- All Cleveland Coffee
- Born Primitive (apparel)
- OnlyFans (brand partnership, not adult content)
- Other local Cleveland businesses
Career Records
| Opponent | Result | Event (Year) | Method |
| Jon Jones | Loss | UFC 309 (2024) | TKO |
| Francis Ngannou | Win / Loss | UFC 220 (2018) / 260 (2021) | Decision / KO |
| Daniel Cormier | 2 Wins / 1 Loss | UFC 241, 252, 226 | TKO, Decision / KO |
| Junior dos Santos | Win / Loss | UFC 211 (2017), UFC on Fox 13 (2014) | TKO / Decision |
| Fabricio Werdum | Win | UFC 198 (2016) | KO |
| Alistair Overeem | Win | UFC 203 (2016) | KO |
| Mark Hunt | Win | UFC FN 65 (2015) | TKO |
| Andrei Arlovski | Win | UFC 195 (2016) | TKO |
| Stefan Struve | Loss | UFC on Fuel TV 5 (2012) | TKO |
FAQs
1. Who is Stipe Miocic?
Stipe Miocic is an American former professional mixed martial artist and two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history. He is also a full-time firefighter and paramedic.
2. What are Stipe Miocic’s most notable achievements in the UFC?
Miocic holds the record for the most wins in UFC heavyweight title fights and the longest title defense streak in the division, with three consecutive defenses. He also has the most fight-night bonus awards in UFC heavyweight history.
3. What is Stipe Miocic’s professional MMA record?
Miocic’s professional MMA record is 20 wins and 5 losses, with 15 wins by knockout and 5 by decision.
4. When did Stipe Miocic retire from MMA?
Stipe Miocic announced his retirement after his loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309 on November 16, 2024.
5. What is Stipe Miocic’s background outside of MMA?
Before MMA, Miocic was a Golden Gloves boxing champion and an NCAA Division I wrestler at Cleveland State University. He also played collegiate baseball.
6. What is Stipe Miocic’s fighting style?
Miocic is known for his boxing and wrestling skills, combining striking power with strong takedown defense and athleticism.
7. Has Stipe Miocic worked outside of fighting?
Yes, Miocic works as a full-time firefighter and paramedic in Ohio, a role he maintained even during his UFC championship reigns.
8. What is Stipe Miocic’s heritage?
Miocic is of Croatian descent; both of his parents immigrated from Croatia to the United States.
9. Who are some of the notable opponents Stipe Miocic has faced?
Miocic has fought and defeated top heavyweights such as Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou, Junior dos Santos, Alistair Overeem, and Fabricio Werdum.
10. What is Stipe Miocic’s legacy in MMA?
Miocic is widely regarded as the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time due to his championship reigns, records, and consistent performances against elite competition.