CLEVELAND -- If not for the likable local hero who dethroned a champion a few months ago, Clevelands sports title drought might not be over. Saucony Jazz Original Uk .Stipe Miocic beat LeBron James to the punch.In May, Miocic went to Brazil and knocked out Fabricio Werdum in the first round to capture the UFC heavyweight title. The victory triggered a run of championships for Cleveland as the AHLs Lake Erie Monsters won the Calder Cup and James led the Cavaliers to an historic comeback over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals, ending a title dearth stretching to 1964.For Miocic, a Cleveland native who works as a fire fighter and paramedic, starting the string of titles for his hometown was special.Cleveland needed it, he said. For 52 years, man, we had nothing. Its something to be proud of. You can say I broke or I didnt break it, I really dont care. Im just happy we have something to be proud of. Nothing is better than that.Miocic will now become the first Cleveland champion to defend a title as hell face Alistair Overeem in the main event Saturday night in UFC 203, which will take place in sold out Quicken Loans Arena, giving the 34-year-old Miocic a distinct home-octagon advantage.Also on the card is the long-awaited UFC debut of former pro wrestling superstar CM Punk, who at 37 is attempting a transition few would dare attempt. Punk will take on Mickey Gall, a rising 24-year-old welterweight who wanted to fight Punk and will now get his chance. Werdum gets back in action as well for the first time since losing to Miocic against heavyweight Travis Browne, who had some salty words for his opponent during Thursdays news conference.Miocic has gotten a sampling this week of what hell experience Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounders workouts have drawn big crowds and hundreds of fans were at the news conference, with many of them shouting out encouragement to Miocic, who responded with a quick smile and clenched fist. Its been a whirlwind summer for Miocic, who in addition to taking batting practice with the Cleveland Indians, riding in the Cavs downtown parade attended by nearly one million people, got married.His engagement this weekend with Overeem has some parallels to his fight against Werdum.In front of 45,000 of his countrymen, Werdum came out aggressively and was off balance as he chased after Miocic, who landed a right-handed punch to the Brazilians chin. Werdum may have been slightly overconfident on his home turf, and he paid for it.Miocic promises he wont make the same mistake.It doesnt matter where I fight, he said. It could be Cleveland. It could be Brazil again. Im here for business. Ill walk into the octagon and all Ill think about is me and Alistair, and thats all I care about. No one else is getting in there with us, so Im going to come out the winner and thats the way its going to be.Overeem has spent the past few days saying hes hungrier than Clevelands champ and feels Miocic may be distracted by being home. A former kickboxing champion, Overeem says fighting on familiar ground can be helpful -- and a detriment.It does give you a little extra boost, the Dutchman said. It does give you a little more shivers. On the other hand, theres the extra appearances youve got to do and everyone wants a piece of you. It depends on how you handle it. I think with my 86 fights and my 22 years of training, Ive been able to handle it very well. Its going to be curious how Stipe handles it. Stipe seems very professional, but well see how he handles it on Saturday.Overeem has been targeted by some verbal taunts from Miocic supporters, who cant fathom the idea of him winning in Cleveland. Overeem has learned to like the city and even attended the Cavs victory parade, which he described as madness.It was nice to see a very proud state finally accomplishment championships, he said, adding a threat. I almost feel a little sad that I will be taking something away from them.Not if Miocic can help it. Hes helped change Cleveland, which has spent the summer celebrating like never before.Now were a city of champions, he said, and we plan on keeping it that way for a long time. Saucony Shadow Original Black . Pierce was ejected in the third quarter of Indianas 103-86 win Monday. George Hill stole a bad pass and was going in for a layup, and Pierce hustled back and appeared to be trying to wrap him up. Saucony Shadow Original Sale . - The Washington Redskins have cut defensive lineman Adam Carriker and punter Sav Rocca. http://www.shadoworiginal.com/ . -- Three close looks at the bucket, three misses. Mens Runner of the Week:?Jacob Thomson, KentuckyKentuckys Jacob Thomson ran the fastest 8k in the SEC this weekend 24:12 to finish as the top collegian attached to a team - second overall in the race - at the Texas A&M Invitational.Thomson led the Wildcats to a runner-up team finish.Thomsons time was a season best.Womens Runner of the Week:?Karis Jochen, Texas A&MTexas A&Ms Karis Jochen defended her title at the Texas A&M Invitational, covering the 6,000m course in a time of 20:14.2, which is currently the top time in the SEC at that distance this season. The Aggies placed fifth in team scoring with 123 points to finish behind Rice (70), Baylor (72), Lipscomb (80), and Kentucky (82).Jochen recorded her second individual victory of the season after claiming the Aggie Opener at 4,100m three weeks ago.In bettering a field of 166 runners, Jochen won by two-pluus seconds over Abigail Cartwright of Rice (20:16. Saucony Shadow 5000 Grey. 6).Mens Freshman of the Week:?Brennan Fields, KentuckyKentuckys Brennan Fields was UKs third finisher -- 10th overall -- in 24:39.50 at the Texas A&M Invitational helping UK to a runner-up team finish.His time is fastest 8k by a freshman this season and the 22th fastest in the SEC so far this year.Fields time was a PR by more than 50 seconds.Womens Freshman of the Week:?Ashley Driscoll, Texas A&MFor the second consecutive meet, Aggie freshman Ashley Driscoll finished as the second Texas A&M runner.She placed 19th overall with a time of 21:37.2 on the 6,000m course at the Texas A&M Invitational. 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