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Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic to face off in heavyweight bout at UFC 309 in New York
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    Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic to face off in heavyweight bout at UFC 309 in New York

    After months of waiting, fight fans can breathe a sigh of relief as Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic finally has a set date.

    The UFC officially announced on Saturday that the heavyweight bout between the two — originally meant to headline UFC 295 in Nov. 2023 — will take place at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden in New York on Nov. 16.

    Jones was originally supposed to defend the belt he won in March 2023 against former title holder Miocic but had to bow out due to a pectoral injury.

    “Bones” captured the heavyweight title — which was vacant at the time following Francis Ngannou’s exit from the UFC — after he made his return to the octagon following a three-year hiatus and defeated Ciryl Gane via first-round submission.

    And although Jones brings a 27-1 record into this bout along with being the current belt holder, he hasn’t fought since his title-claiming victory and is less experienced in the division than Miocic.

    Much of Jones’s success in the UFC came as a light heavyweight.

    Amongst his accomplishments under the banner, Jones was the youngest champion in UFC history at age 23 and holds the record for most wins, title defences and longest win streak in 205-pound division history.

    Meanwhile, his 42-year-old opponent is a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion with four successful title defences throughout both reigns. Miocic holds the record for most wins in the division and for the longest title defence streak (three).

    A fight between two UFC icons — one who’s considered by many as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, and the other who’s often regarded as the best heavyweight ever.

    UFC 309 will also feature a co-main event between former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler in a rematch of a previous title fight.

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    The highly anticipated heavyweight bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in New York has fight fans buzzing with excitement. Both fighters are considered among the best in the world in their respective weight classes, and this matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of styles and skills.

    Jon Jones, the former light heavyweight champion, is making the move up to heavyweight for this fight, a decision that has been met with both excitement and skepticism. Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, with an impressive record of 26 wins and only one loss. Known for his incredible athleticism, versatility, and fight IQ, Jones presents a unique challenge for any opponent.

    On the other hand, Stipe Miocic is no stranger to the heavyweight division. The current heavyweight champion has successfully defended his title multiple times and is known for his knockout power and technical striking. Miocic’s ability to weather storms and come back strong in later rounds has earned him a reputation as a resilient and dangerous opponent.

    The matchup between Jones and Miocic is intriguing for several reasons. Jones will have to adjust to fighting at a heavier weight class, while Miocic will need to deal with Jones’ unorthodox style and reach advantage. Both fighters have shown the ability to adapt and overcome challenges in the past, making this fight difficult to predict.

    In addition to the stylistic matchup, there is also the question of legacy on the line. Jones is looking to cement his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time by becoming a two-division champion, while Miocic aims to solidify his place as the best heavyweight in UFC history.

    Overall, the Jones vs. Miocic fight at UFC 309 promises to be a must-watch event for MMA fans. With two elite fighters facing off in a high-stakes matchup, anything can happen inside the Octagon. Make sure to tune in on fight night to witness history in the making.