Zagreb, Croatia – In a heartwarming affirmation of his deep-seated heritage, Stipe Miočić, widely revered as one of the greatest heavyweight fighters in UFC history, has officially been granted Croatian citizenship. The Ohio-born athlete, whose impressive career boasts a record four successful defenses of the UFC Heavyweight Championship, was celebrated in a series of high-profile events that underscored his enduring connection to the land of his ancestors.
The momentous occasion began on Tuesday afternoon at Banski dvori in Zagreb, where Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković personally presented Miočić with his domovnica, the official confirmation of citizenship. The ceremony was a poignant exchange, with Miočić reciprocating the honor by gifting the Prime Minister a pair of signed MMA gloves—a powerful symbol of his pride in his Croatian background and his fighting spirit.
"Thank you for the kind words. I’m here with my family and we’ve had a lovely conversation. It’s a great experience," Miočić shared, his voice filled with appreciation.
"I always say — Croatia is the most beautiful country with the best athletes in the world. We’re excited to spend a few days here. We’re proud to be part of such a great country, so thank you again."
His sentiments resonated deeply, reflecting the pride and joy of a prodigal son returning home.
Miočić’s journey to embrace his Croatian identity has always been evident. Born in the United States to Croatian parents—his late father hailing from Rtina near Zadar and his mother from Cetingrad near Karlovac—he has consistently carried his heritage with him, literally, through two proud Croatian tattoos. His unparalleled achievements in the octagon, including holding the UFC Heavyweight Championship twice, have made him a global icon, yet his roots have always remained a guiding force.
Beyond the official ceremony, Miočić's visit to Croatia is set to energize the sporting community. He is slated to make an appearance at the Sunset Sports Festival in Zadar, scheduled from June 5 to 7. Damjan Rudež, the festival director and a former NBA player, expressed immense enthusiasm for Miočić's participation.
"It is a great honour to announce the arrival of Stipe Miočić, one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time and a sportsman whose achievements, character and values have left a lasting mark on the world of combat sports," Rudež stated, emphasizing the inspirational power of Miočić's story of "perseverance, dedication and pride."
The recognition of Miočić’s contributions didn't stop with citizenship. On Wednesday, the Croatian-American mixed martial arts icon was further bestowed with the Order of Danica Hrvatska with the image of Franjo Bučar by Croatian President Zoran Milanović. This esteemed state honor—one of Croatia’s highest in the field of sport—was presented at a special ceremony at the Office of the President in Zagreb. The award explicitly acknowledged Miočić’s:
"Exceptional contribution to promoting the reputation and interests of Croatia in the United States,"
cementing his legacy not just as an athlete, but as a cultural ambassador.
While his final bout in November 2023, where he faced Jon Jones, marked the closing chapter of his storied MMA career, Stipe Miočić's impact continues to reverberate. His journey from an American-born fighting machine to a recognized citizen and decorated figure of Croatia stands as a powerful testament to the unbreakable bond between an individual and their heritage, inspiring countless others to connect with their own roots.