, Gottfried sees plenty of potential for from corse178's blog
BRISTOL, Conn. Addison Russell Jersey . -- Theres a quiet, reserved manner in which UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic carries himself that lies in perfect contrast with his reputation as a feared slugger inside the Octagon.I dont think that I have any swagger, he said. Thats the problem. I just like to fight. I just like to do my thing and walk out.Miocic (15-2) visited ESPN headquarters Tuesday to discuss his first title defense, which takes place Saturday at UFC 203 against Alistair Overeem at Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.The demands of media at this level are relatively new for Miocic, 34, who despite steadily climbing the UFC ladder in recent years remains a newcomer to the spotlight after knocking out Fabricio Werdum with one punch in May at UFC 198 in Brazil to capture the title.While Miocic admits hes getting better at handling the attention, he wouldnt go as far as saying that it comes naturally for him.Honestly, I just like fighting, he said. I honestly dont like the media and stuff like that. Its not that you guys are mean or anything, Im just not that good at talking. I talk a lot and talk fast and mumble a lot. I just get real nervous in front of a camera, and I cant be myself.Its interesting to imagine a 6-foot-4, 245-pound man with Miocics power feeling less nervous fighting in front of millions inside a cage than when hes answering questions on a television set. But as Miocic likes to say, thats his job.Im always nervous walking into the cage, but Ive been doing it for so long that its just business, Miocic said. I want to go out there and do my job. Ive been training for it much too long to go in there scared. Im nervous and everything, but once the Octagon door closes, its game on.The last four months have been life-changing for Miocic, who won the title in May and got married to his girlfriend, Ryan, one month later. Along the way, he played a major part in the resurgence of the sports landscape in Cleveland, a short drive from where he was raised in the suburb of Euclid, Ohio.Miocics win over Werdum happened on the same night the ESPN 30 for 30 film Believeland made its debut, chronicling the 50-year title drought in the city of Cleveland. Soon after, the Cavaliers rallied to win an NBA title. Miocic appeared in the teams parade and became a spokesman of sorts for the citys new championship identity.It has been an amazing whirlwind, Miocic said. Its what Cleveland needed.But Miocic said he isnt worried about his homecoming narrative entering Saturdays fight, admitting it will be no different than if he were training in Brazil with no one worrying about him. His lone focus is to guarantee he exits the cage with the title he has yet to defend.Considering the recent climate in the UFC this year, with one upset after another in title fights, Miocics concern makes sense. Theres also the promotions history in the heavyweight division, where no champion has ever made more than two consecutive title defenses.Miocic said he believes he is only scratching the surface of his potential and admits to having extra motivation to prove people wrong.I think a lot of people underestimate me, Miocic said. I think they see me, and they dont think that Im that good of a fighter. But then I shut people up, which Im good at doing.Despite headlining Saturdays card, Miocic will be sharing the bill in a way with former WWE star Phil CM Punk Brooks, who makes his long-awaited UFC debut against?Mickey Gall in a welterweight bout on the pay-per-view main card.Miocic has heard the naysayers who have questioned whether an entertainer such as Brooks should get the push into a prominent slot on the card, but he said he doesnt agree with them.I hope he goes out there and shocks a lot of people, Miocic said. I can tell he has put in his time and effort. It is what it is. If people dont like him because hes a WWE guy and is getting a fast track, well guess what? Its part of what makes the sport more popular.He has put in the time, and now its time to fight. I give him all of the credit.Miocic said he has equal respect for Overeem (41-14), whom he calls an amazing fighter with experience facing the best fighters in the world.Hes an amazing kickboxer, hes good on the ground and hes strong, Miocic said. Hes real savvy and a veteran. But Ive seen a lot of things where he makes mistakes. We all make mistakes and have flaws. But he hasnt faced someone like me yet.Even while delivering quotes that are filled with tough guy imagery, Miocic has a way of retaining his calm, everyman feel. Its no surprise, considering he hasnt quit his day job as a firefighter and paramedic in Ohio despite becoming the UFC heavyweight champion.Miocic might bring a blue-collar feel to the term baddest man on the planet, a title typically reserved for the heavyweight champion of any combat discipline, but make no mistake -- theres dynamite in his fists. Miocic said he expects nothing but action when he stands across the cage from Overeem.There will definitely be fireworks between us, Miocic said. It will be a great fight, but Im going to walk out [and hear], And still, with the belt wrapped around my waist. Chicago Cubs Jerseys . Andrew Luck lost his favourite target and the Indianapolis locker room lost one of its most revered leaders when Reggie Wayne was diagnosed Monday with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will cost him the rest of the season. Jake Arrieta Jersey . The FA rejected Wilsheres appeal that the length of his punishment was "clearly excessive" and said Thursday his suspension begins with immediate effect. He will miss league matches against Chelsea on Monday and West Ham on Dec. http://www.cubsteamproshop.com/cubs-anthony-rizzo-jersey/ . - Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie never doubted he would bring back coach Dennis Allen for a third year despite back-to-back 4-12 records. RALEIGH, N.C. -- It didnt take Omer Yurtseven long to show flashes of the shooting touch and range that made him a big international recruit for North Carolina State.The 7-foot Turkish freshman had nine of his 12 points in the first half Thursday night to highlight the Wolfpacks 97-64 win against Appalachian State, a good first step for a player who had to wait a month to make his college debut due to an NCAA eligibility dispute.I was not nervous, Yurtseven said. I was excited though. The first time when I was going on the court, I was excited.The NCAA had required the five-star freshman to sit out the first nine games and pay $1,000 to charity after reviewing his time playing for a club team overseas. He entered at the 14:57 mark of the first half and played 24 minutes, making 4 of 6 shots and even stepping out to knock down a 3-pointer from the top while drawing loud cheers from fans -- some coined it Yurtmas on social media -- for the home-standing Wolfpack (8-2).It was really fun, Yurtseven said. I really missed being out there.Fellow freshman Dennis Smith Jr. finished with 22 points to lead N.C. State, which scored the first 10 points and led big all night. Maverick Rowan added 13 points in his second game back from a seven-game absence due to a concussion, while N.C. State shot 52 percent.He spaces the floor, Smith said of Yurtseven, he knows how to roll, sets great screens, hes very smart, high IQ, sees the floor pretty well. He just makes the offense a lot better.Ronshad Shabazz scored 14 points for the Mountaineers (3-6), who shot 32 percent after entering the game shooting about 45 percent on the season.We had tremendous opportunities to make shots, shots we usually make, and we just missed them today, Mountaineers coach Jim Fox said. It affected us and when you keep missing and missing wide-open shots, it takes a toll on you and carries on to other parts of the game.BIG PICTUREAppalachian State: The Mountaineers suffered another big loss to a power-conference opponent. Mike Montgomery Jersey. They trailed by as many as 26 before losing 103-94 in the second game at Tennessee, lost by 35 at Duke on Nov. 26 and by 33 against the Wolfpack.N.C. State: Adding Yurtseven meant this was the first game the Wolfpack was at full strength. For coach Mark Gottfried, the focus now is to integrate Yurtseven into the rotation and get him adjusted to American basketball while simultaneously bringing along a young rotation that hasnt played much together -- one he hopes will have a very different look come February.Weve got a little more depth now, Gottfried said, which is nice.HANDS OFFYurtseven had foul trouble during two exhibition games, including when he fouled out in just 11 minutes against Division II Barton. He had four fouls Thursday but managed to avoid major trouble in what will be a big part of his adjustment to the American college game.You just have to watch the referees, Yurtseven said. They talk to you, so they tell you what youve got to do, what you shouldnt do.GOTTFRIEDS TAKELike Smith, Gottfried sees plenty of potential for Yurtseven to make an impact with his shooting and passing touch.When the balls in his hands, especially in the high post, hes really effective, the coach said. And (the players) know that. Again, I think the more he plays with our guys, the more they play and just get comfortable, hes going to find ways to score within our offense.But I do think our guys are excited about playing with him because hes such a good passer. I think that does a lot for our team.UP NEXTAppalachian State: The Mountaineers host James Madison on Saturday.N.C. State: N.C. State is home Sunday against Fairfield.---Follow Aaron Beard on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/aaronbeardap---More AP college basketball at http://collegebasketball.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-Top25 Cheap NFL Jerseys Cheap NFL Jerseys China Cheap Jerseys From China Cheap NFL Jerseys Authentic Wholesale Jerseys China Cheap NFL Jerseys China NFL Cheap Jerseys ' ' '
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