Jon Jones remains to be the UFC heavyweight champion after sending former title holder Stipe Miocic into retirement.
The UFC 309 most important occasion pitted two legends of MMA within the middle of Madison Sq. Backyard in New York for what promised to be a firework-producing title battle. At 4:29 of Spherical 3, Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) discovered the shot he wanted to place Miocic (20-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) down and out.
The battle began with a methodical tempo after a fast glove contact. As he sometimes does, Jones took management of the middle of the cage and dictated the tempo. After a couple of moments, Jones closed in and hit a phenomenal journey takedown, the place the battle would keep for the rest of the spherical.
Whereas on the canvas, Miocic was on the receiving finish of a number of vicious ground-and-pound elbows. Staying calm by means of the fireplace, Miocic by some means survived to see the subsequent spherical.
Dominant Spherical 1 for Jon Jones 😤#UFC309 pic.twitter.com/wARfH0NjU5
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
The gang continued to indicate their help for Miocic with chants, however the former champ struggled to get going. Jones patiently stalked ahead as he blended up offense to the physique and head, together with a few stiff kicks to the midsection.
For just a little added aptitude, Jones threw in a spinning again kick to the physique towards the tip of Spherical 2, foreshadowing what was to return.
Listening to the recommendation of his nook, Miocic got here out with mixtures to start out Spherical 3. Jones received on his bike to evade and reset, inflicting frustration for Miocic.
Jones’ velocity benefit continued to shine as he linked with flush punches that rocked Miocic and despatched him retreating. Jones adopted to capitalize, however Miocic stayed within the battle.
Nonetheless, it was only a matter of time till Jones landed with one other devastating shot, and it got here within the type of one other spinning again kick to the physique that folded Miocic to the canvas. Jones rushed in to land observe up photographs for the stoppage.
JON. BONES. JONES. 🏆@JonnyBones defends his title with a TKO in spherical 3! #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/LULFQ6phnq
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2024
The celebration for Jones was on, together with the signature arm pump dance of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who was watching carefully cageside.
Throughout his post-fight interview Jones, 37, mentioned has determined to proceed combating. He acknowledged there are alternatives on the desk, however desires to talk with UFC brass to see whether or not Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira shall be subsequent.
“Possibly I cannot retire” – Jon Jones
Jones isn’t prepared to hold up the gloves 😤 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/d16b50sw10
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
Whereas Jones determined to proceed his profession, Miocic, 42, determined to finish his.
Stipe Miocic introduced his retirement after #UFC309
A legendary profession for the previous UFC heavyweight champion 👏 pic.twitter.com/ClJwvD1ayW
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 17, 2024
The previous champion who nonetheless holds the document for heavyweight title defenses saved issues brief and candy on the microphone as he instructed Joe Rogan it was time to stroll away from the game.
Full UFC 309 outcomes embrace:
- Jon Jones def. Stipe Miocic through TKO (punches) – Spherical 3, 4:29
- Charles Oliveira def. Michael Chandler through unanimous determination (49-46, 49-46, 49-45)
- Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig through unanimous determination (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Viviane Araujo def. Karine Silva through unanimous determination (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop through unanimous determination (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Marcus McGhee def. Jonathan Martinez through unanimous determination (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jim Miller def. Damon Jackson through submission (guillotine choke) – Spherical 1, 2:44
- David Onama def. Roberto Romero through unanimous determination (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz through TKO (physician’s stoppage) – Spherical 2, 5:00
- Ramiz Brahimaj def. Mickey Gall through knockout (punches) – Spherical 1, 2:55
- Oban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez through knockout (punches) – Spherical 3, 0:40
- Eduarda Moura def. Veronica Hardy through unanimous determination (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 309.
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