CLEVELAND — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from a previous story.
The Baddest Man in Northeast Ohio may have finally found his (eventual) preferred successor.
Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and his wife Ryan welcomed their first-born son this past Saturday, naming the little guy Mateo Cruz Miocic. It's the second child for the couple, with daughter Meelah being born in 2018.
Stipe took to Instagram to announce the arrival of Mateo, referring to the 3-day-old as "The Future Heavyweight Champ of The World." The post also included a video from famed UFC announcer Bruce Buffer, who used his patented "It's time!" catchphrase to signal the baby's birth.
"We already love you more than life!" Stipe wrote of his new son.
Born himself in Euclid and a graduate of Eastlake North High School, Stipe is one of the greatest athletes in Greater Cleveland history, having won six different UFC title fights across two stints as heavyweight champ. He's always worn his Northeast Ohio roots on his sleeve, and even serves as a part-time firefighter and paramedic in Oakwood and Valley View.
Unfortunately, Stipe lost his belt this past spring in a fight with Francis Ngannou, a man he had beaten before. It is unknown when the 39-year-old legend will fight again, but for now, it seems like he and Ryan will be perfectly happy being parents to their two adorable kids.
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