Jon Jones is still the UFC heavyweight champion after sending former title holder Stipe Miocic into retirement.
The UFC 309 main event pitted two legends of MMA in the center of Madison Square Garden in New York for what promised to be a firework-producing title fight. At 4:29 of Round 3, Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) found the shot he needed to put Miocic (20-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) down and out.
The fight started with a methodical pace after a quick glove touch. As he typically does, Jones took control of the center of the cage and dictated the pace. After a few moments, Jones closed in and hit a beautiful trip takedown, where the fight would stay for the remainder of the round.
While on the canvas, Miocic was on the receiving end of multiple vicious ground-and-pound elbows. Staying calm through the fire, Miocic somehow survived to see the next round.
Dominant Round 1 for Jon Jones #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/wARfH0NjU5
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
The crowd continued to show their support for Miocic with chants, but the former champ struggled to get going. Jones patiently stalked forward as he mixed up offense to the body and head, including a couple of stiff kicks to the midsection.
For a little added flair, Jones threw in a spinning back kick to the body toward the end of Round 2, foreshadowing what was to come.
Listening to the advice of his corner, Miocic came out with combinations to start Round 3. Jones got on his bike to evade and reset, causing frustration for Miocic.
Jones’ speed advantage continued to shine as he connected with flush punches that rocked Miocic and sent him retreating. Jones followed to capitalize, but Miocic stayed in the fight.
However, it was just a matter of time until Jones landed with another devastating shot, and it came in the form of another spinning back kick to the body that folded Miocic to the canvas. Jones rushed in to land follow up shots for the stoppage.
JON. BONES. JONES. @JonnyBones defends his title with a TKO in round 3! #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/LULFQ6phnq
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2024
The celebration for Jones was on, including the signature arm pump dance of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who was watching closely cageside.
During his post-fight interview Jones, 37, said has decided to continue fighting. He acknowledged there are options on the table, but wants to speak with UFC brass to see whether Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira will be next.
“Maybe I will not retire” – Jon Jones
Jones isn’t ready to hang up the gloves #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/d16b50sw10
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
While Jones decided to continue his career, Miocic, 42, decided to end his.
Stipe Miocic announced his retirement after #UFC309
A legendary career for the former UFC heavyweight champion pic.twitter.com/ClJwvD1ayW
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
The former champion who still holds the record for heavyweight title defenses kept things short and sweet on the microphone as he told Joe Rogan it was time to walk away from the sport.
Full UFC 309 results include:
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 309.
