Miocic enjoying his time off

Stipe Miocic’s summer has been relaxing, especially compared to the last.

In 2016, the UFC heavyweight champion was in the midst of a grueling camp preparing for his first title defense vs. Alistair Overeem at Quicken Loans Arena.

Miocic won that bout with a first-round knockout, then again last May with another first-round KO, this time against Junior dos Santos.

The win over dos Santos marked his third bout in the last 12 months.

Miocic’s coach Marcus Marinelli and the rest of his large coaching staff put the champ through grueling workouts before each fight, and the last 12 months have taken a toll.

A summer off has Miocic all smiles these days. He’s recharging himself, but mindful of the future.

One particular fight has piqued Miocic’s interest: Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather on Aug. 26 in Las Vegas. More on that in a bit.

The summer off from the constant grind of a training camp has put Miocic in a position to give back.

On July 29, Miocic was at Veterans Memorial Park in Parma to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at The Challenger Division of Little League Baseball, an organization that enables boys and girls with physical and mental challenges to enjoy the game.

After his first pitch, Miocic stuck around and mingled with the players and fans.

“Whatever I can do to help, I try to do it,” said Miocic. “You know, those kids have it rough. But you know what? They always have a smile on their face. Even with the parents, it’s amazing to see. I’m so happy to be a part of it.” Miocic said he and his manager Stipe Miocic was on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch for the Challenger Division of Little League Baseball on July 29 at Veterans Memorial Park in Parma.

Jim Walter of Chicago receive requests for appearances to events almost daily, but being at this one on July 29 was a no-brainer.

“If I can help just a little bit, I’m honored,” said Miocic. As for the rest of his summer, it’s consisting of updating the kitchen at he and his wife’s West Side home. Then in August, Miocic and wife Ryan will celebrate their birthdays. Miocic will be 35 on Aug. 19. “I feel it every day,” said Miocic at his gym Strong Style in Valley View. “Trust me, every day. If it was 28, no big deal, but I feel it ... It’s never-ending. So it’s nice to get refreshed.”

“It” is the operative term. That’s the wear and tear from Miocic taking his body to the limit — and perhaps beyond it — maintaining his status as heavyweight champ and the title

that goes with it — “Baddest Man on the Planet.”

The inevitable question of Miocic’s next bout should heat up in the fall, but could drag into the winter. The champ said it’s likely he won’t fight until early 2018.

Miocic also confirmed there has been talks of a fight with former heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez, but that those talks were shelved until issues with his contract are resolved.

Miocic’s team is not happy the champ earned less than his last two opponents, Overeem and dos Santos. That was the case with the Overeem fight, according to reports.

UFC 211, held in Dallas last May, was the event where Miocic KO’d Junior dos Santos in 2 minutes, 22 seconds.

The Texas Athletic Commission

reportedly does not release fighter paydays, so exact dollar amounts for each fighter from UFC 211 are unknown, but Miocic’s camp claims dos Santos earned more.

Plenty of options appear likely for Miocic. It could involve a bout with Velasquez.

“I’d love to fight Cain,” said Miocic. “But right now, my manager’s taking care of (my contract).”

There’s also the aftermath of the McGregor-Mayweather Jr. crossover boxing match. McGregor is the reigning UFC lightweight champion.

Miocic has been vocal on Twitter about his own crossover match with boxing’s heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua of Great Britain.

For a Miocic-Joshua bout to happen, McGregor must deliver on behalf of the

UFC. Even in a loss, McGregor holding his own and showing well vs. Mayweather could pave the way to future crossover boxing matches.

“Mayweather’s the best, but you never know,” said Miocic. “It’s a fight, anything can happen. McGregor has a puncher’s chance. We’ll see. If McGregor does well, it will be good for us.

“Not just my cause, but everyone’s cause. It depends what McGregor does.”

Miocic said a boxing match with Joshua is “what the fans want to see.”

It also prompted the UFC heavyweight champ to admit — given the choice — he would prefer a fight with Joshua before a chance at UFC history vs. Velasquez.

“Of course,” said Miocic. “(A Joshua fight) would pay a lot more. Money talks.”

TIM PHILLIS — THE NEWS-HERALD