Stipe Miocic Prepares for Heavyweight Showdown Against Jon Jones at UFC 309
NEW YORK — Ahead of his highly anticipated heavyweight title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 309, Stipe Miocic, 42, reflects on his career and legacy while preparing for what could be a landmark victory. Miocic is vying for a historic third heavyweight championship title, a feat that would place him alongside MMA great Randy Couture as the only fighters with three reigns in a single division.
The match comes after a year-long delay and a three-year hiatus since Miocic’s last fight, where he lost the heavyweight belt to Francis Ngannou. The bout was initially scheduled for November, but Jones, a fighter many consider the greatest of all time, withdrew due to injury. UFC President Dana White indicated that an interim title fight would not suffice for an athlete of Miocic’s caliber, building anticipation for this weekend’s event at Madison Square Garden.
Despite speculation surrounding retirement, Miocic insists he remains focused on his combat career and has no plans to exit the sport or his job as a firefighter and paramedic in Ohio. “Oh, that’s a long time away,” Miocic stated when asked about retirement.
Former champion Daniel Cormier, who has faced both fighters, describes Jones as having an advantage due to his diverse skill set and fight IQ, making him a formidable opponent. The fighters are similarly matched in height, but Jones’s reach could play a crucial role during the bout.
As the fighters gear up for a five-round clash, the stakes are high. The victor is expected to face interim champion Tom Aspinall next, while both fighters hint that their futures in the sport could hinge on this fight’s outcome. Regardless of the result, Miocic is ready to return to his duties in Ohio after the fight, showing his commitment both in and out of the octagon.
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