As one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history, Stipe Miocic will return to competition for the first time since 2021 when he faces Jon Jones in the main event of UFC 309. While lengthy periods of inactivity are often detrimental for fighters, the 42-year-old Miocic recently shared the significant benefits he found in taking time away from MMA.
Miocic’s previous bout came against Francis Ngannou at UFC 260, where the Ohio native suffered a brutal knockout defeat to lose the heavyweight title. Now, over two years later, Miocic admitted that his extended layoff allowed both his body and his mind to fully recharge and recover.
“Recharging my whole body. I’m focusing on healing my mind and body to ensure my overall well-being. I’m good,” Miocic told reporter Shakiel Mahjouri.
Fans have also noted that the former champion appears more muscular and physically imposing ahead of his return to the octagon. Should he defeat the seemingly unstoppable Jon Jones at UFC 309, Miocic will have the chance to join MMA legend Randy Couture as the only fighter to become a three-time UFC heavyweight champion.
Tom Aspinall Shares Miocic’s Best Path To Victory
As the interim UFC heavyweight titleholder, Tom Aspinall will be closely watching the main event showdown between Miocic and Jones. The Englishman recently shared his thoughts on how Miocic can pull off the upset against the pound-for-pound great.
“It’s pretty simple; punch him in the face really hard. That’s the way he’s going to win. Stipe’s record boasts numerous knockout victorieWe are uncertain about Jones’ power, as he is not widely recognized for it in the heavyweight division. t? While it remains uncertain, Aspinall stated in an interview with Red Corner MMA, “We believe Stipe, even at 42 or 43 years old, still possesses that power.”
What’s At Stake At UFC 309?
The anticipation is palpable for Jones vs. Miocic as UFC 309 takes center stage at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16th. The greatest MMA fighter of all time, Jon Jones, headlines the card as he prepares to defend his UFC heavyweight title against the former champion for the first time.
Jones is the overwhelming betting favorite, priced at -650 with BetOnline, while the ever-resilient Miocic enters as a +470 underdog. Regardless of the odds, this monumental heavyweight title fight has the potential to be an all-time classic.
Should Miocic emerge victorious, he would cement his legacy as one of the best heavyweights to ever step into the octagon. On the other hand, a win for Jones would further solidify his place atop the MMA pantheon as he looks to conquer a second weight class.
UFC 309 Prize Money And Purses
We expect both Jones and Miocic to earn substantial paydays for their main event clash. Reports suggest that Jones could pocket around $5 million for the bout, while Miocic could potentially earn a near-career-high payday.
Jones’ biggest purse to date came at UFC 285 when he reportedly earned $3.5 million for his first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane. Miocic, on the other hand, received his two largest purses at UFC 260 and UFC 252, earning $1.19 million against both Ngannou and Daniel Cormier, respectively. Regardless of the final results, both men stand to earn significant sums of money as they compete in the main event of UFC 309.
How To Watch UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic
UFC 309, featuring the highly anticipated heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, will take place on Saturday, November 16th. We expect the main card to start at 10 PM ET, and the main event to start after midnight. Fans in the United States can watch the entire event live on ESPN+ pay-per-view. International viewers should check their local listings for broadcast information.
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