Excitement Building for Dos Santos vs. Miocic in Phoenix

If there is one word that sums up the collective sentiment of Junior Dos Santos and Stipe Miocic heading into UFC Fight Night in Phoenix on December 13, 2014, it’s “excited.”

It sounds tired, but that’s also the perfect way to describe the buzz around Phoenix when the two fighters were in town for a promotional tour.

“I’m just super excited for it to be in Phoenix,” Miocic said. “I’ve been to Phoenix before and have family here. But as far as the fight goes, you have me and [Junior] Dos Santos – two guys that just love to fight.

“It should be a hell of a night.”

Dos Santos agrees wholeheartedly.

“I think it has been very good,” Dos Santos said with a smile about his time in Phoenix recently. “Everyone treated me very well here. It was my first time in Phoenix. I can’t wait to be back here in December and put on a good show for everybody. I’m sure people are excited for the fight and I am, too.

“I can’t wait.”

Dos Santos (the No. 2 contender) is considered to be one of the best heavyweights in UFC history. He is 10-2 in the UFC Octagon (his only two losses coming against Cain Velasquez) and 16-3 overall as a pro. Dos Santos most recently held the heavyweight title after beating Velasquez during the opening round of the first UFC event on FOX.

Miocic (12-1) looks to keep his momentum going as he is currently one of the hottest names in the division after consecutive wins over top contenders Roy Nelson, Gabriel Gonzaga and, most recently, Fabio Maldonado.

Combined, the two men have 19 knockout victories.

Indeed, Dos Santos vs. Miocic looks to be the perfect pairing when the UFC makes its long-awaited debut in Phoenix.

“When UFC comes to a different city, it brings another kind of energy to the entire city,” Dos Santos said. “I’m sure the long-time fans will like it and I’m sure those who haven’t seen a fight before or watching for the first time will like it.”

With less than two months until they fight, Dos Santos and Miocic are more focused on training than ever.

“It’s always a go,” Miocic said about his training. “We’re doing two-a-days now Monday through Friday, and usually some stuff on the weekends.”

Dos Santos, on the other hand, heads back to Brazil to continue his always-intense training regimen – and for good reason.

“I am facing a very tough opponent in [Stipe] Miocic,” Dos Santos added. “He’s a tough guy.

“I hope everybody will be there to enjoy it.”

UFC FIGHT NIGHT: DOS SANTOS vs. MIOCIC will be available live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on Saturday, Dec. 13, with prelims kicking off on FOX Sports 1 at 5 p.m. ET/2 p.m. PT.