UFC heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic sends well wishes to Zagreb after earthquake

Stipe Miocic has long worn his Croatian heritage on his sleeve.

When a 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Croatian capital of Zagreb on Sunday, the natural disaster struck a chord with the UFC heavyweight champion.

In a statement posted on his official Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages, Miocic (19-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) sent his well wishes to those affected by the earthquake. The 37-year-old fighter let Zagreb know his heart is with it.

“To my family friends & everyone affected by the horrible earthquake in Zagreb… These times r already scary and difficult. Just know that my heart is there with all of u. We WILL come back from this stronger than ever. I love you Croatia, you are ALL warriors!”

According to Croatia Prime Minsiter Andrej Plenkovic, the earthquake was the largest Zagreb has encountered in the past 140 years. The quake caused major damage to some buildings and resulted in the injuries of more than a dozen people. All of this came in the midst of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Miocic is the son of two Croatian immigrants. Prior to the UFC’s partnership with Reebok, Miocic sported the Croatian flag on his fight trunks – similar to the shorts a prime Mirko Cro Cop made famous.