Stipe Miocic says he wants a third fight with Francis Ngannou as he looks to reclaim his world heavyweight title.

Miocic, who defended the strap more than anyone else in UFC history, was defeated by Ngannou in their second contest after Ngannou knocked him out in the second round. Despite the setback, Miocic is already thinking about another shot at his former gold, and believes an increase in size will help him against the gargantuan Ngannou.

“I hate losing more than anyone,” Miocic said on “The Pat McAfee Show.” “I’m the most competitive person you’ll ever meet, and it burns. I’m still butt-hurt about it, but it is what it is. It’s part of the game, and I lost. I’ve got to swallow my pride and get back on the horse.

“I want to get back what’s mine. It’s bulking season. I’m going to eat as much as I can and get big and strong. I’m trying to get to like 250[-pounds]. I made 230 last time, not because I tried, but because of training. I’m really going to stick to really trying to gain a little bit of weight, just get a little bit more mass. I felt good, but I think 20 pounds will help. I will feel a lot stronger, and he’s a big dude. There’s no question about it.”

At the moment, UFC president Dana White has touted Derrick Lewis as Ngannou’s next challenger, with Jon Jones lurking on the sidelines trying to negotiate the biggest payday of his career, meaning Miocic’s return has no set timeline as of yet. Regardless of that, Miocic is not taking his defeat as a total negative.

“I felt good,” Miocic said. “I gave him the first round. I wasn’t worried. He’s usually stronger in the first round. I kind of felt him gassing a little bit, but he was still good, and I was like, ‘OK, we still have four more rounds to go,’ and then I hit him with a right hand, and I hesitated for a split-second, and he caught me with that hook. What are you gonna do?”