This weekend at UFC 309, former light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones will defend his heavyweight title against the legendary Stipe Miocic. This clash has been a year in the making after an unfortunate injury sidelined Jones from their originally scheduled bout at UFC 295. But now, the wait is finally over, and fight fans are eager to witness this highly anticipated showdown between two of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history.
Jones, the consensus goat of the light heavyweight division, made a triumphant return to the Octagon earlier this year, capturing the vacant heavyweight title with a convincing win over Ciryl Gane. The 37-year-old has been uncharacteristically vocal in the lead-up to this fight, suggesting he may retire after UFC 309 or potentially face the fan-favorite Alex Pereira instead of unifying the title against interim champion Tom Aspinall.
Miocic, on the other hand, is looking to cement his legacy as a three-time heavyweight champion. The 42-year-old firefighter from Cleveland hasn’t competed since his brutal knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021, but he remains one of the most accomplished heavyweights in UFC history. Miocic has expressed confidence in his ability to overcome the challenge of “Bones” and reclaim the title he once held.
In the co-main event, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira will face off against Michael Chandler in a highly anticipated rematch. Their first encounter, which took place in 2021, saw Oliveira emerge victorious, but Chandler has been eager to avenge that loss and reclaim his spot at the top of the lightweight division.
The rest of the card is equally stacked, with rising star Bo Nickal taking on veteran Paul Craig in a pivotal middleweight bout and former champion Chris Weidman returning to action against Eryk Anders.
As the fighters make their final preparations, the tension is palpable. Jones, known for his meticulous game planning and unorthodox strikes, will be looking to use his size and reach advantage to overwhelm the resilient Miocic. However, the former champion is renowned for his durability and technical prowess, and he may have a few tricks up his sleeve to counter Jones’ arsenal.
One potential weakness in Miocic’s game that Daniel Cormier has pointed out is his tendency to leave his left hand low when exiting the clinch. Cormier, a former rival of Miocic’s, believes this could be an opening that Jones can exploit with his powerful punches.
Regardless of the outcome, this fight promises to be a classic heavyweight clash, with both men determined to cement their legacies and etch their names in the annals of UFC history. The world is watching, the stage is ready, and the lights are bright. Get ready for an epic battle at UFC 309!