UFC on Fuel TV: Stipe Miocic Will Be a Force in the UFC Heavyweight Division

UFC on Fuel TV features a welterweight clash between Jake Ellenberger and Diego Sanchez that is sure to entertain. The night will also feature a future force in the heavyweight division—Stipe Miocic.

Miocic, a Cleveland-based fighter of Croatian decent, has more in common with Mirko Cro Cop than similar shorts and Croatian heritage. Miocic is a fearsome striker.

Sporting a perfect 7-0 record in MMA, Miocic has compiled five wins by knockout on the regional circuit. Miocic is a finisher and has only been to the third round once, in his UFC debut victory over iron-chinned Joey Beltran.

A former Division I wrestler, Golden Gloves boxing champion and collegiate baseball player, Miocic represents the new breed of MMA fighter. An overall athlete who is well-rounded and can win a fight anywhere the fight takes place.

At 6'4" and 236 pounds, Miocic strikes a resemblance to current heavyweight champion Junior dos Santos in terms of build and style. A similar career arc may not be out of the question either.

At UFC on Fuel, Miocic will attempt to keep his unbeaten record intact when he takes on fellow heavyweight prospect Philip De Fries. De Fries, an English fighter, will most definitely attempt to take the fight to the ground and put his excellent submission skills to use.

De Fries is also undefeated with a record of 8-0 with seven submission victories.

In a division largely devoid of many new talented prospects, the winner of the De Fries vs. Miocic fight should emerge as the brightest prospect in the division, and Miocic should come out victorious.

In a grappler-heavy division, Miocic's takedown defense will need to be on full display. With a decisive victory over De Fries, Miocic will show that he is going to be a force in the UFC heavyweight division.