JON JONES and Stipe Miocic took part in a fiery final face-off ahead of their clash of legends.
Former pound-for-pound king Jones returns from an 18-month layoff early on Sunday morning to defend his heavyweight title in the main event of UFC 309 in New York City.
Tensions have risen between the pair in recent days, with Jones taking umbrage to Miocic branding him a “b***h”.
The MMA legend upped the ante during the pre-fight press conference on Thursday by declaring the fight a “personal” one to him.
And he sensationally snubbed Miocic’s offer of a handshake before their first face-off, which laid the table for a tense final staredown at the ceremonial weigh-ins.
The pair faced off after mimicking their early-morning weigh-ins, which were held behind closed doors.
Defending king of the heavyweights Jones completed an incredible body transformation by tipping the scales at 237.8lbs, nearly a STONE lighter than he was for his debut in the division last month.
Miocic hit the scales before the champion, with the former two-time titleholder weighing in at 248.6lbs.
And Jones promptly got in the face of the challenger after hitting the ceremonial scale, although he did accept his rival’s handshake offer at the second time of asking.
The raucous crowd at the Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater lapped up every moment of the tense face-off, which UFC president Dana White oversaw.
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The UFC makes it's annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
Feint chants of “Stipe, Stipe” were drowned out by the incredible vocal pro-Jones crowd.
A fired-up Jones told Joe Rogan in his post-weigh-in interview: “Tomorrow is an awesome opportunity for me to display this gift that god has given me.
“I’m super excited and I feel great. And still!”
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
