UFC 309: Jones vs Miocic

UFC 309 is just around the corner, set to take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. For fans in the Baltics, the event will kick off early Sunday morning. The fight show will be headlined by a highly anticipated heavyweight championship clash between reigning champion Jon Jones and former champion Stipe Miocic. What can fans expect from this showdown, and how do the odds stack up? Keep reading to find out!

A long-awaited clash

The bout between Jones and Miocic has been years in the making. Originally scheduled for UFC 295 in November 2023, the fight was postponed when Jones had to withdraw due to a torn pectoral muscle. This led to Tom Aspinall stepping in to claim the interim heavyweight title, which he later successfully defended against Curtis Blaydes in July.

UFC CEO Dana White believes that regardless of the outcome, neither Jones nor Miocic will consider retirement after this fight, which may open the door for Aspinall to compete for the undisputed title rather than simply being promoted to it.

Miocic, a record holder for most heavyweight title defences in UFC history, returns to the Octagon for the first time since losing his title to Francis Ngannou back in March 2021. This match-up represents a pivotal moment in both fighters’ careers, with questions looming over Miocic’s ability to compete at 42 and whether Jones can further cement his legacy as one of the (if not THE) greatest fighters of all time.

Legacy on the line

This heavyweight showdown is more than just a title fight; it’s a clash of legacies. Jon Jones, widely regarded as the GOAT of mixed martial arts, captured the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 in March 2023 by submitting Ciryl Gane. His comeback to the Octagon, after a three-year hiatus, marked one of the most anticipated returns in MMA history.

Jones (27-1-0) is a two-time undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion, holding the title from March 2011 to April 2015, and again from December 2018 to August 2020. With 13 title defences under his belt (UFC record), Jones’ only official loss came by disqualification against Matt Hamill in 2009 for using illegal elbows. Since entering the UFC in 2008, Jones has dominated the light heavyweight division, defeating the likes of Glover Teixeira, Daniel Cormier, Vitor Belfort, and Alexander Gustafsson. His impeccable fight IQ, elite wrestling, striking, and distance management make him a threat to anyone, and he’s looking to add Miocic to his list of accomplishments.

Meanwhile, Miocic (20-4-0), a full-time firefighter, aims to join the ranks of those who have held the heavyweight title three times, a feat only previously achieved by Randy Couture. This clash represents a moment of truth for Miocic, who returns to the Octagon after a 3.5-year absence, looking to prove that he still belongs among the division’s best.

Co-main event and other highlights

UFC 309 also features an exciting co-main event: a lightweight rematch between Charles Oliveira (34-10-0) and Michael Chandler (23-8-0). The two first faced off for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 262 in May 2021, with Oliveira emerging victorious by TKO. Chandler, who has been absent from the Octagon for two years, will be eager to reclaim his place among the top contenders. The odds from OlyBet sportsbook favour Oliveira at 1.40, with Chandler priced at 3.05.

Additionally, rising star Bo Nickal (6-0-0) will showcase his skills against veteran Paul Craig (17-8-1), promising another thrilling matchup as Nickal seeks to maintain his perfect record in the UFC. OlyBet has Nickal as the clear favourite at 1.09, with Craig an underdog at 8.60.

Jones vs Miocic: What to expect

As the temperatures drop outside, the heat inside the Octagon intensifies. UFC 309 promises an unforgettable night, featuring one of the most anticipated matchups in heavyweight division history.

Jon Jones has been one of the top fighters in the promotion for over a decade. However, the greatest light heavyweight champion in UFC history has fought just once since 2020, with injuries and a contract dispute keeping him inactive. Jones’s debut in the heavyweight division in 2023 was explosive, as he claimed the title with a quick submission win over Ciryl Gane. Now, he faces Miocic, whose only fight since 2021 ended in a brutal knockout loss to Francis Ngannou.

With his wealth of experience against some of the sport’s greatest champions, Jones is poised to add another chapter to his legendary career. However, many questions remain: How will Jones fare against a much bigger heavyweight in Miocic? Will his three-year break and injury affect his performance? How will Miocic, at 42, recover from his own layoff and perform against a fighter as dynamic as Jones?

Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier has shared the Octagon with both Jones and Miocic and understands the challenges each fighter brings to the table. Cormier spent 38 minutes and 1 second inside the cage with Jones across two fights, and faced Miocic in one of the most memorable trilogies in UFC history. Both Jones and Miocic elevated Cormier’s game, and now, Cormier is in a prime position to analyse this upcoming battle between two of the sport’s all-time greats.

In an interview, the 45-year-old praises both Jones and Miocic ahead of their heavyweight title fight, noting that while Miocic may lack the variety of weapons Jones has, his striking is extremely effective. Cormier highlights Miocic’s toughness, saying he can endure heavy shots and always pushes through. While Jones is known for his flashy techniques, Cormier believes his effectiveness is built on solid fundamentals. He describes Jones as a gritty, durable fighter, capable of withstanding adversity. Despite Miocic’s more limited arsenal, Cormier emphasizes that his strengths are potent enough to make him a serious threat to Jones.

That said, the odds from OlyBet sportsbook have Jon Jones as the clear favourite, with odds of 1.16, while Stipe Miocic is priced as a 5.55 underdog. Despite Miocic’s considerable power and toughness, the bookmakers are giving Jones a strong edge, reflecting his status as the reigning champion and his broad skill set.

Final thoughts

With so much at stake, the UFC 309 culmination represents more than just a fight—it’s a defining moment in the history of mixed martial arts. Fans are eagerly awaiting the clash between Jones and Miocic, and with the rich history of Madison Square Garden as the backdrop, this event is poised to be one of the highlights of the UFC in 2024. Will Jones cement his status as the undisputed GOAT, or will Miocic prove that age is just a number as he seeks to reclaim the heavyweight title? Set your alarm early for November 17th as these two icons face off in what promises to be a truly unforgettable fight show.