And still – Jon Jones, in spectacular fashion, retained his UFC heavyweight title and GOAT status with a TKO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.
Miocic put on a better fight than most expected in the clash of titans at Madison Square Garden.
However, Jones landed a spinning back kick to Miocic’s rib cage at 4:29 in the third round that spelled the beginning of the end for the former champion.
The most decorated UFC heavyweight folded from the body shot as Jones pounced on him near the fence.
Referee Herb Dean then jumped in to separate the two, declaring Jones the winner and defending champion.
Jon Jones scored a third round TKO over Stipe Miocic to retain his UFC heavyweight title
Jones landed a spinning back kick to Miocic’s body late in the third round to score the finish
Jones and Miocic were originally scheduled to headline last year’s Madison Square Garden event at UFC 295 before Jones pulled out with a shoulder injury.
It took 371 days for both men to finally have the legacy fight for heavyweight gold at the world’s most famous arena.
After Francis Ngannou rode out his contract with the UFC, Jones made his heavyweight debut and light work of Ciryl Gane, submitting the Frenchman in the first round to win the vacant title.
Miocic, 42, had not set foot in the cage since getting knocked out by Ngannou in March 2021. The Cleveland native holds the record for most title defenses among big men in the UFC with four.
Meanwhile, the only blemishes on Jones’ record before Saturday came from a disqualification and a no-contest.
The win moved Jones to 28-1 as he declared against retirement rumors. Without naming a future opponent, Jones said he would speak to Dana White about his future.
However, White revealed earlier this week that the winner of Saturday’s main event ‘should absolutely’ fight interim champion Tom Aspinall – who Jones has repeatedly dismissed as a contender.
On the other hand, Miocic announced his retirement from MMA in the Octagon. He leaves the sport with a 20-5 record, including six title fight wins and 14 knockouts.
