With his championship belt in tow, Stipe Miocic visited Berea on Wednesday, meeting with coach Hue Jackson and Browns players as part of what's become something of a homecoming tour for the Cleveland native.
"It's been nothing but crazy — a good crazy, it's a good problem to have — a lot of media, a lot of running around to do, but it comes with the territory," said Miocic, who captured the UFC heavyweight title Saturday night.
Miocic, who hails from Euclid and is an avid Cleveland sports fan, knocked out defending champion Fabricio Werdum in the first round Saturday night in Brazil, winning what's considered the top prize in mixed martial arts.
Miocic — who gave Cleveland a hearty shout-out following the victory — hopes his championship is the beginning of more to come.
"I just love this city, man, the people here. We're just hard-nosed people, blue-collar. We've got each other's backs, we're loyal," he said.
"I wanted it for the city, we deserve a championship. It's going to start bringing more championships here. And I was like, 'man, I gotta give a shoutout.'"
Miocic, who visited with the Cavaliers and Indians earlier this week, said he'll continue to make the media rounds by visiting ESPN next.
"It's almost surreal," he said of winning the championship. "It's just amazing."
