Jon Jones proved once again why he’s considered the greatest of all time in mixed martial arts, successfully defending his heavyweight title with a third-round stoppage of Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309. Jones delivered a masterful performance, culminating in a vicious spinning back kick to the body that sent Miocic to the canvas at 4:29 of the third round.
The win marked Jones’ first title defense since capturing the heavyweight belt in 2023 with a dominant victory over Ciryl Gane.
“He’s really, really good,” Jones said of Miocic. “He’s really durable. I was hitting him with some pretty decent shots, but he kept coming forward. It was like fighting against the Terminator. That body shot, though—no matter how tough you are, the liver’s the liver.”
A Chess Match in the Octagon
Jones nearly finished the fight early, showcasing his devastating ground game with a trip takedown in the first round. From there, he unleashed a barrage of elbows and strikes, forcing Miocic to scramble to avoid a stoppage.
Miocic, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion and one of the sport’s most durable fighters, managed to survive Jones’ early onslaught. However, the damage was evident as Miocic became slower and more deliberate with his strikes, while Jones maintained his speed and precision.
Jones continued to attack the body with kicks and utilized his jab to keep Miocic on the defensive. Miocic tried to mount a counter-offense, but Jones’ methodical approach ensured that he controlled the pace and dictated the exchanges.
The Finish
The decisive moment came late in the third round when Jones backed Miocic against the cage. He unleashed a spinning back kick, landing flush to Miocic’s midsection. The Ohio native collapsed to the canvas, and Jones followed with a few strikes before referee Herb Dean stepped in to stop the fight.
Miocic Announces Retirement
After the loss, Miocic announced his retirement from MMA, closing the book on a storied career that included two reigns as UFC heavyweight champion.
“It sucked ass, I lost,” Miocic said. “I knew he was going to be tough. He’s one of the best of all time. Hats off to that man. I’m done. I’m hanging them up. I’m retiring.”
Miocic departs as a guaranteed UFC Hall of Famer, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in the sport’s history.
What’s Next for Jon Jones?
Despite speculation that UFC 309 could mark the end of Jones’ legendary career, the 36-year-old hinted at a potential return, possibly for a showdown with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
“As far as my future in the octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire,” Jones said. “I have some conversations to have with Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell], and if everything goes right, maybe we’ll give you guys what you want to see.”
Jones remains a dominant force, and fans will eagerly await news of his next move as the UFC’s heavyweight division continues to evolve.
