Stipe Miocic only wants to fight Jon Jones, but ultimately it’s still up to UFC whether or not that matchup actually happens.
As he continues to await his return to action, the now 41-year-old former UFC heavyweight champion insists that he’s not standing in anybody’s way when it comes to the sudden logjam at the top of the division. Essentially, the standstill comes from Tom Aspinall winning an interim heavyweight title after Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle that cancelled his previously scheduled matchup against Miocic back in 2023.
UFC has continued holding firm for a Jones vs. Miocic showdown while Aspinall is set to defend his interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in June.
While Miococ understands Aspinall’s frustration that he’s not going to get to unify the titles in his next fight, that’s a decision being made above his pay grade.
“I get it,” Miocic told CBS Sports. “I’d feel the same way, but I’m not taking anything away from him. The UFC can do what they want. It is what it is. There’s only one guy I want to fight, it’s Jon Jones. But at the same time, the UFC can pick who they want. People don’t know this but there were a couple of other times where I was ready to fight and they gave them another guy. What am I supposed to do?
“I’m not holding up any division like everyone says. I don’t care. Do what you want and stop crying. I’m not saying he’s crying, I’m just saying like fans and stuff like that.”
Miocic hasn’t fought since March 2021, when he suffered a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in their rematch for the UFC heavyweight title. In the three years since, Miocic initially wanted to settle his trilogy with Ngannou, but “The Predator” ended up leaving UFC to sign with PFL in free agency.
With that option no longer available, Miocic turned his attention to Jones, who is widely considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time. Meanwhile, Miocic still holds the record for the most UFC title defenses at heavyweight, which cements him among the best in history.
That’s why Jones targeted Miocic after winning the UFC heavyweight title in 2023, and obviously that’s a matchup that interested Miocic as well.
“Everyone thinks he’s going to beat my ass,” Miocic said of Jones. “I don’t like being told that. I like shutting people up. He’s beatable. I know he is. Anyone is beatable and I will be the first to do this.”
Miocic often spoke about potentially facing Jones when “Bones” reigned over the light heavyweight division while constantly teasing a move up to the heavier ranks.
It’s a fight that Miocic not only wanted, but one he’s confident he can win.
“I think styles make matchups,” Miocic said. “I think I have a style that doesn’t match well with his style. If the shoe’s on the other foot, it could be me as well. He does a lot of good things. He’s good with his distance, his leg kicks, and on the ground. I’m good at making it a fight. I’m technical, but I can also make it into the brawl and make him feel really uncomfortable as does he.
“I think it depends on who does what they like. Unfortunately, I don’t like being told what to do, so I’m going to do what I want to.”
While no official offers have been made or bout agreements issued, multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans have told MMA Fighting that Jones vs. Miocic is currently being targeted for November when UFC returns to Madison Square Garden in New York. Jones has also hinted at that date multiple times publicly on social media.
If that’s the timeline for the fight, Miocic would return just shy of four years away from the cage, but he’s not concerned about the time off or his ability to deal with somebody like Jones in his octagon return.
“I am very competitive and will never lose it,” Miocic said. “It’s in my DNA. I love what I do and have the best coaches in the world that will have me ready whenever the fight comes up.”
