New UFC Heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic will be defending his title for the first time in his own backyard of Cleveland, Ohio against Alistair Overeem.
The fight was announced on UFC Tonight Wednesday night.
Miocic (15-2, 9-2 in UFC) most recently captured the Heavyweight title back at UFC 198 in a stunning upset and first round knockout of now former champion Fabricio Werdum. Earlier this year he defeated Andrei Arlovksi also by first round knockout. The bout marks the UFC’s first ever visit to Cleveland, and its first event in Ohio since UFC 96, which was held in Columbus in March of 2009. Miocic holds 11 knockout victories out of his 15 total wins.
Overeem (41-14 (1), 6-3 in UFC) is currently riding the biggest streak of his UFC career with four straight wins. Three of which have been knockout finishes against Stefan Struve, Junior dos Santos, and most recently Andrei Arlovski. Overeem’s overall fighting style has taken a notable turn as of late since joining the famed Jackson-Winklejohn gym in New Mexico. Currently holding the longest winning streak in the Heavyweight division at the moment, Overeem seems intent on adding to his long resume by adding a UFC championship to his already impressive mantle.
UFC 203 takes place on September 10 at the Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. No other bouts have yet to be added to this card.