Ngannou reached out to the career-ending Miocicic

Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou reacted to Stipe Miocic's decision to hang up his gloves following his loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309.

"Thank you, champion, for all you have done for our sport, and most of all for the class you embody and the example you set.

I'm grateful for how our fights have shaped me, making me better as a fighter. These moments have taught me more than my years in the sport. Enjoy a well deserved retirement. Best wishes in all your future endeavors," Ngannou wrote to X.

Recall that Ngannou crossed paths with Miocic twice in the octagon: in January 2018, he lost by unanimous decision of judges, and then knocked out Stipe in March 2021.