At Madison Square Garden in New York, Jon Jones showed once again why he is considered one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. At the age of 37, the heavyweight champion had complete control of his fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. It was an anticipated fight that left no room for suspense, with Jones imposing his technical, physical and tactical superiority.
He remains the UFC’s heavyweight king! The most terrifying man in the world was at it again this morning at Madison Square Garden in New York against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. The victory came midway through the third round, with a devastating spinning back kick to Miocic’s ribs, followed by a series of ground-and-pound strikes that prompted the referee to intervene.
As soon as the fight opened, Jon Jones took the centre of the Octagon and dictated the pace with precise low kicks and fluid movement. Miocic, though valiant, seemed limited in his tactical options. He sought to break the distance with his fists against a taller and faster opponent. At 1’30’ of the first round, Jones landed an impressively easy takedown. Once on the ground, he unleashed a series of elbows that opened up Miocic’s right cheekbone and already hinted at the outcome of this duel.
The second round saw Jon Jones play the management card. He observed his opponent while maintaining constant pressure. Miocic, confined to his English boxing, never really worried the champion. Jones then alternated kicks at different levels while controlling the distance with total control of space. This round confirmed the gap in level between the two fighters. Miocic, despite being a former double heavyweight champion, appeared outmatched in every aspect of the fight.
A fatal blow in the third round, Jon Jones quietly confirms
The third round began with a more aggressive Miocic desperately trying to turn the tide. But his audacity forced him to expose himself more, opening the way for a precise left/right from Jones that had him reeling. The decisive moment came when Miocic, with his back to goal, took a devastating reverse kick to the ribs. Taken down, he collapsed to the floor and allowed Jon Jones to finish the fight with a series of ground and pound strikes. The referee stepped in to put an end to a duel that had been clear since the first restart.
After his victory, Jon Jones celebrated by dancing, with a nod to US President Donald Trump, present in the audience alongside Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy Jr. Standing on the Octagon, arms raised, Jones savoured a success that further consolidated his status as a mixed martial arts legend. With this demonstration, Jon Jones proved that he remains at the top of his game despite his 37 years. The youngest champion in UFC history, he still seems a long way from retirement. ‘The time to retire hasn’t come yet”, he said after the fight, hinting at other challenges to come, perhaps a clash of the titans against PFL champion Francis Ngannou.
Stipe Miocic, the end of an era?
For Miocic, 42, this defeat undoubtedly marks the end of a chapter. The former two-time heavyweight champion, regarded as one of the best in his class, never seemed in a position to compete with a Jones in full possession of his resources. As Jones continues to make history, speculation is rife about his next challenges. A fight against Sergei Pavlovich or a rematch with former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou could offer new prospects for ‘Bones’.
This one-sided fight reminded the world why Jon Jones is often described as one of the greatest of all time. His dominance against Miocic reinforces his legacy, and audiences are now looking forward to his future performances.
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