Jon Jones defeated Stipe Miocic by knockout while defending the heavyweight belt in UFC 309which took place on Saturday night (16) and stated that this was not his farewell fight — unlike his opponent.
Back in the Octagon after more than a year recovering from injury, Bones started the main fight of the night with total dominance, taking full advantage of Miocic’s slow pace. The champion knocked his challenger down in the first round, dominating the fight on the ground with several elbows.
In the second round, both heavyweights preferred striking; with great calm, Jones managed to be much more aggressive than Miocic, with very strong blows and kicks — there were 18 of his against 13 of the former champion.
Stipe entered the third round with more energy, but only at the beginning. After turning his back to escape his opponent’s reach, Jon landed more significant blows again, shaking Miocic with a sequence of direct punches and kicks to the head.
When there were only thirty seconds left until the end of the assault, Jon Jones landed a spinning kick to Stipe’s ribs, knocking him down for good to get the knockout.
Jon Jones rules out retirement
After his 16th successful UFC title defense, whether in the heavyweight or light heavyweight division, Jon Jones finally gave a clear answer about his future.
The current greatest UFC champion stated that this was probably not his last fight and promised to talk to Dana White to negotiate what his next steps will be.
Bones has two options in the organization: defend his title against Tom Aspinall, interim heavyweight champion, or leave the belt vacant to fight for the BMF belt with Alex Poatan Pereira, in a catchweight fight.
Stipe Miocic, in turn, announced his permanent retirement from MMA. At 42 years old, the challenger was already UFC heavyweight champion, having made four successful defenses.