Gradually, Miocic showed the ability to do his best under the most pressured circumstances. He is tied with Randy Couture for most heavyweight title fight wins (six) and is tied for most title fight knockouts among the big boys (four).

But beyond these accolades, Miocic is perhaps most proud of his two stints as heavyweight champion. If he can make himself the UFC’s second three-time champion in the division, that pride will only increase.

MORE UFC 309: Preview of the main event | Oliveira vs. Chandler Fighter Timeline

“I think it’s huge,” he said. “I’m very proud of it, just because everyone looks down again, you lose one and everyone thinks you’re done and done, and then you get it back, and the same thing again. We’re going to get it back and tell everyone to shut up and mind their own business.

“I’m not worried about my legacy. I’m here to fight. I think everything I’ve done speaks for itself, but at the same time I don’t really care what anyone thinks or what anyone says. I don’t care. I have a job I want to do, and I want to get it done.”