Arjan Bhullar wants a crack at the consensus greatest UFC heavyweight champion of all time.
After former two-time UFC heavyweight titleholder Stipe Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) expressed his discontent with the promotion’s title picture by hinting at an interest towards ONE Championship, the company’s heavyweight title holder Bhullar (11-1) jumped at the opportunity to call him out.
“Another UFC fighter who’s not happy with how he’s treated. I’d love to get my hands on you @stipemiocic I went thru 3 training camps for u already and know exactly how I’d bust you up
#mondaymotivation #mondaymood #pickingafight #trade #ONEvsUFC #EastvsWest #OneBillionStrong.”
Another UFC fighter who’s not happy with how he’s treated. I’d love to get my hands on you @stipemiocic I went thru 3 training camps for u already and know exactly how I’d bust you up💯✊🏾#mondaymotivation #mondaymood #pickingafight #trade #ONEvsUFC #EastvsWest #OneBillionStrong pic.twitter.com/nqEwK3LxLV
— Arjan Singh Bhullar (@TheOneASB) July 26, 2021
Miocic’s issues with the UFC have been well-documented. The 38-year-old lost his title to Francis Ngannou in their rematch at UFC 260, and with the series tied at one-a-piece, the UFC’s record holder for most heavyweight title defenses expected a trilogy bout next. But instead, Miocic finds himself on the outside after the promotion opted to book an interim title fight between Derrick Lewis and Ciryl Gane, with the winner expected to unify with Ngannou.
Bhullar, who’s spent years training at American Kickboxing Academy, has helped Daniel Cormier prepare for his championship bouts with Miocic so he’s already familiar with his style. Since departing the UFC in 2019, Bhullar signed with ONE Championship, becoming the first fighter of Indian descent to win a major MMA title when he defeated Brandon Vera by second-round TKO in April.
While the booking isn’t currently possible given Miocic’s contract status, the UFC has shown a willingness work with the organization in creative fashion. In 2018, a historic “trade” took place when the UFC allowed former flyweight king Demetrious Johnson to sign for ONE while simultaneously bringing over former Bellator and ONE title holder Ben Askren.