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Demetrious Johnson Thinks ‘Legend Fight’ Between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic Will Draw the Same PPVs Even Without a Title

'DJ' shared his thoughts on the heavily-debated Jones vs. Miocic matchup and how the former two-time titleholder could look after a four-year absence.

Written by Craig Pekios

Last updated on August 31st, 2024

Demetrious Johnson doesn’t think Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic need to fight for a belt.

Though no official announcements have been made, UFC CEO Dana White has all but confirmed that Jones will return this November to put his undisputed heavyweight title on the line against Stipe Miocic. The bout is slated to go down at UFC 310 when the promotion heads back to Madison Square Garden later this year.

Though the fight will feature two of the greatest to ever grace the Octagon, fans have largely lashed out at the pairing, believing Jones should forgo the “legacy fight” against Miocic for a much more intriguing clash with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

Dana White debates the media on Jon Jones. pic.twitter.com/dZjUyFs0tB

— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) August 28, 2024

Appearing on the JAXXON podcast with Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, ‘Mighty Mouse’ suggested that while he fully supports Jones doing whatever he wants at this point in his career, his fight with Miocic will sell regardless if a title is on the line or not.

“Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic doesn’t even need to be for a belt,” Johson said. “Like, that’s a legend fight, those two fighting. It would still sell just as many pay-per-views. And then, I’m sure Jon Jones is gonna get the exact same f*cking pay whether he’s champion or not, but I’m not gonna dictate Jon Jones’ career and what he should or he can’t do.

“Me as a fan, I would love to see Jon Jones fight Tom Aspinall. If he doesn’t and he goes, ‘I’m gonna just fight Stipe, he’s a household name’, go ahead, do your thing, Jon.”

Demetrious Johnson Doesn’t Know What to Expect From Stipe Miocic

By the time Stipe Miocic returns to the Octagon this fall, it will have been almost four years since his last appearance and even longer since he’s seen his hand raised following a fight.

His last victory came in August 2020 when he closed out his trilogy with Daniel Cormier with a unanimous decision win. Seven months later, he’d suffered a brutal second-round knockout against Francis Ngannou, surrendering the heavyweight title and pretty much walking away from the sport to focus on his career as a fireman in Cleveland.

Asked how the 42-year-old fighter should prepare for a scrap with Jon Jones, ‘DJ’ was largely at a loss for words, but acknowledged that returning to the fight game after such a lengthy absence will be a very tough task.

“When I look at Stipe, he hasn’t fought in four years. The last time he fought he got knocked out. How’s his body feeling? It’s hard being away from the fight game for four years. He’s doing amazing things. He’s a firefighter, but it’s going to be very hard.”

Watch the full episode below: