The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Could Miocic be next face of Cleveland?
After removal of LeBron mural, UFC champ wouldn’t mind occupying spot
LAS VEGAS » The giant LeBron James mural that faced Quicken Loans Arena has come down.
The only thing bigger than the actual canvas that was removed is the void — which many argue is irreplaceable — left by James, who took off to Los Angeles as a free-agent signee of the Lakers.
Whether a mural or a sign of some other Cleveland sports personality goes up in the downtown area is a debate for another day.
What’s next on the minds of Cleveland sports fans is this: Who is the next face of the city?
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett nominated himself on Twitter following James’ departure. He tweeted July 1: “@KingJames if you don’t want to take your throne with you I’ll take it.”
Fans have also called for Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor to take that mantle, and maybe even No. 1 overall draft pick and quarterback Baker Mayfield — if and when he starts and performs well for the Browns.
There’s no if and when with Stipe Miocic, the unquestioned UFC heavyweight king with three straight title defenses who’s been generating support by fans as Cleveland’s top dog.
A win by Miocic on July 7 against light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier (20-1) would only strengthen his case in Cleveland, and extend his UFC record for most consecutive title defenses by a heavyweight to four.
When asked about such talk July 5 at UFC 226 media day at the Pearl at the Palms Theater, the Eastlake North graduate didn’t shy away from it.
“Listen, if (the people of Cleveland) want to put something by me, I would be proud,” Miocic said. “It would be awesome. It would be sweet. Who wouldn’t want that?
“You know, LeBron left and it is what is but we have so much more. Not just me, the Indians, and I love everything about (the Browns).”
UFC president Dana White
didn’t hold back with a message to Cleveland fans about Miocic’s potential for No. 1 status:
“He is the face of Cleveland,” said White, who was presented a key to the city before the event by the mayor of
Las Vegas. “The people there love him. He goes to the games. The (pro) players love him, the fans love him. He really is that guy. When the heavyweight champion of the world lives in your city, you know about it. It’s a big deal.”
Miocic’s coach and close friend Marcus Marinelli said Cleveland fans shouldn’t have to look long for their replacement for James.
“You already know my answer — absolutely,” Marinelli said with a smile. “Who deserves it more? Stipe’s proud to be from Cleveland. He’s proud to represent the city. I think it would be awesome.”
Miocic (18-2) can take that next step by further solidifying his status among the all-time UFC greats on July 7. From there, the debate of who’s deserving and who generates that support as the next face of Cleveland pro sports goes on.