The UFC’s penultimate pay-per-view event of the year stages a meeting between two greats as Jon Jones defends his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden, New York.
A blockbuster contest pits the man widely considered the consensus ‘greatest of all time’, Jones, against arguably the greatest heavyweight of all time, Miocic, initially scheduled for November 2023. However, an injury to Jones delayed the fight as both men waited out the chance to face off.
It would seem that Jones’s legacy built over an illustrious fighting career would make him the favourite against an ageing Miocic. However, the heavyweight division is the Ohio native’s natural weight class, and several factors at play indicate that a Jones triumph may not be straightforward.
How Do the Fighter’s Records Match Up?
Jon Jones:
There is no doubt that – aside from the controversy surrounding his career – Jones has proven to be a mainstay in the sport’s GOAT conversation. Bones’ highly well-rounded skillset has propelled him to an incredible record of 27-1-1NC (no contest) – the only loss was a controversial disqualification defeat to Matt Hamill in 2009.
Albuquerque’s Jones became the youngest UFC champion in history at the age of 23, defeating Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua at UFC 128. A devastating run at light heavyweight would follow, featuring wins over the likes of Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, Alexander Gustafsson, and Daniel Cormier, amongst others, across a rampant run at 205 pounds over two reigns.
In his recent bout, the two-time light heavyweight champion moved up to heavyweight to contest heavyweight gold at UFC 285 against Cyril Gane. The narrative surrounding the fight revolved around whether Jones could transfer his arsenal to the weight class. The 37-year-old dispatched Gane with ease, submitting the French fighter in a dominant first-round display and becoming a two-division champion in the process.
Stipe Miocic:
In the case of 42-year-old Miocic, age, combined with a lengthy spell on the sidelines, leads many to believe that he may not be up to competing with a fighter of Jones’ calibre at this stage in his career.
The Ohio fighter’s last fight took place at UFC 260 in March 2021, where he suffered a brutal knockout defeat to Francis Ngannou. The bout was a rematch of the first meeting between the two men in 2018, in which Miocic emerged victorious with a unanimous decision victory.
However, recency bias may kick in regarding how Miocic is remembered for his most recent fight and how fans may quickly dismiss his chances at UFC 309 due to his most recent defeat in 2021.
The heavy-hitting heavyweight boasts a professional record of 20-4, with 15 of those wins coming by knockout. His record is based on a highly impressive resume of fighters Miocic defeated, including legendary names such as Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, Junior Dos Santos, and Ngannou, as well as two wins over Cormier in an entertaining trilogy.
Stipe’s achievements in the UFC’s heaviest division should not be ignored. He has achieved the most consecutive title defences in heavyweight history (3), with a record-breaking total of four defences, adding to the notion that he is certainly no stranger to the big occasion.
Michael Bisping Believes Miocic Is Being Overlooked
One man who has weighed in on the UFC 309 main event is former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping. He feels that Miocic can emerge victorious against Jones, and fans shouldn’t be surprised if so.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, ‘The Count’ stated how the two-time heavyweight champion’s octagon success and experience are being ignored as a factor in this fight. Bisping said, “People forget that Stipe, on paper, as you know, you’ve heard it a million times, is the greatest heavyweight to ever fight in the UFC’s octagon.
“He [consecutively] defended the belt three times, which nobody else has ever done.”
Bisping added, “Not only does he get the chance to prove people wrong, he [Miocic] gets the chance to be the first person to become a three-time heavyweight champion of the world. He also gets the chance to be the first person to legitimately beat Jonny ‘Bones’ Jones, arguably the greatest fighter of all time.”
In terms of how the pair match up stylistically, Miocic’s experience in the division could prove advantageous on the night in stifling Jones’s technical brilliance.
“We’ve got to remember, Jon Jones is not a natural heavyweight. He took his time away from the sport to bulk up, get bigger, and put muscle on. Stipe’s a natural heavyweight, he was born like that it’s as simple as that.”
Bisping continued, “When it comes to the wrestling side of things, Jon Jones will not just have his way.
“He’s not going to be able to just take him down like he did to Cyril Gane. Jones has got a real fight on his hands. He’s got somebody who can stop takedowns, that can crack, and has one-punch knockout power.”
A Tale of Size, Skill and Strategy
Standing at 6-foot-4 inches, Jones has notoriously used his size advantage against opponents, exercising tremendous distance management while methodically breaking down opposition with oblique kicks, teeps, and an array of spinning attacks. The 37-year-old also boasts an extremely impressive 95% takedown defence statistic, which is even more impressive considering his longevity.
Notably, Miocic stands at the same height as Jones and has shown competence in the grappling department at the highest level. For example, Miocic implemented a wrestling game plan in the first encounter with Ngannou, nullifying the Cameroonian’s stand-up threat. Miocic’s solid boxing base is also key in the fight, reflected in the 15 knockout victories on his record.
Both fighters possess real proficiency in all departments of MMA, which certainly makes for an intriguing battle. Miocic’s punching power could entice Jones into a firefight if he can nullify Jones’ range management and put the champion on the back foot.
Additionally, prior to a dominant heavyweight debut against ‘Bon Gamin,’ Jones didn’t appear to be at his best in light heavyweight title defences against Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes—the latter fight many perceived Reyes to have won in a close decision. Therefore, moving up to Miocic’s natural weight class against a more experienced and well-rounded fighter than Gane could pose different problems to the current heavyweight champion.
What Does The Future Hold For Both Fighters?
It cannot be ignored that such a high-level main event has been somewhat overshadowed by an external narrative. Many, including the man himself, feel that Interim Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has earned the right to challenge for heavyweight gold.
Aspinall has been very vocal in pushing for a meeting with Jones, which he has undeniably earned in his meteoric rise through the heavyweight division. It seems almost certain that he will fight the winner of the bout.
It has been suggested that both Jones and Miocic might retire from the sport following their bout, although neither fighter has confirmed this possibility directly. This inevitably leaves fans guessing, and the outcome of the fight will be instrumental in shaping the division’s direction.
Jones recently spurred speculation that he may continue to fight if he beats Miocic, overlooking Aspinall in favour of a preferred matchup with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.
Ultimately, whatever happens at UFC 309, fans get to witness two greats collide in the octagon for the heavyweight strap in what may be a closer contest than it would appear. Miocic’s experience and status in the heavyweight division should not be written off against Jones, who himself is looking to cement a legendary legacy.