A year removed from their canceled clash at UFC 295 last year, Jon Jones returned to the Octagon at UFC 309 on Saturday night for a long-awaited world title clash with the consensus heavyweight GOAT, Stipe Miocic.
Fighting for the first time in more than three years, Miocic looked to make history by becoming the first-ever three-time heavyweight champion in UFC history. To do that, he’d have to go through the reigning undisputed heavyweight king and the man many believe is the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the history of the sport.
Round 1
Jones marches forward and immediately throws a right hand. Miocic lands a nice counter and the MSG crowd is already chanting for Miocic. A little bit of hand fighting is going on as Jones unleashes an inside leg kick. Jones lands a kick to the body and Miocic looks to land a shot. Jones avoids taking any damage and lands a slick takedown 90 seconds into the round. Jones gets into half-guard and starts throwing some elbows from the top. Miocic is looking to control ‘Bones’ postures up and throws some thudding elbows.
Jones keeps the ground-and-pound coming and works his way into side control. Miocic tries to scramble back to his feet but gets laid back down. Jones throws a barrage of elbows. Miocic is failing to control the posture of Jones which is allowing ‘Bones’ to land elbows at will. Miocic works Jones back into his guard and is fighting just to make it out of the round. Jones postures up and gets right back into side control with 25 seconds left in the round.
Jones teases a kimura before resorting to elbow strikes until the opening round comes to an end.
Round 2
Miocic looks a little flat-footed as he opts to wait for Jones this time around. Miocic lands a nice uppercut and looks to follow it up with a combination. Jones fixates on the body, attacking Miocic with another kick before targeting the calf. Miocic is getting a little more aggressive, but his punches are already lagging. Jones lands a nice counter and follows it up with another front kick to the body that hurt Miocic.
Jones stalks forward and lands a couple of inside low kicks. Miocic fires a right hand, but Jones slips his head off the centerline. Miocic’s output has dropped off significantly. ‘Bones’ lands a jab and Miocic responds with a right. Miocic is only trying to land one punch at a time. Miocic connects with a left and Jones partially lands a head kick. Jones lands another inside low kick and goes right back to beating up Miocic’s body.
Miocic tries to respond, but Jones distances himself and lands a spinning back kick to the midsection. Jones ends the round with a jab.
Round 3
Miocic comes out chasing early and lands a right hand. ‘Bones’ connects with a left and has a clear speed advantage over the two-time titleholder. Still, Miocic is connecting and sends Jones sprinting away with a right hand that partially connects. Jones lands an elbow inside, then a right hand. Miocic advances, but eats a jab and a right. Miocic is hurt and he backs away prompting Jones to pursue. They briefly clinch up against the cage, but Jones backs away and returns to the center of the Octagon.
Jones continues to pick apart Miocic, landing kicks to the body and lead leg. Miocic throws a combination and lands with a left, but there’s not much behind it. Jones briefly ties up looking for a takedown, but quickly abandons it and peppers Miocic’s leg with another stiff calf kick. Jones lands with a brutal straight left. Miocic tries to respond and connects with a left of his own. Jones kicks to the body and then uncorks a spinning back kick that folds Miocic against the fence.
‘Bones’ rushes in and lands a few ground-and-pound strikes before the referee steps in and calls for the stoppage.
Official Result: Jon Jones def. Stipe Miocic via TKO (spinning back kick to ground-and-pound) at 4:29 of Round 3.
Check Out Highlights From Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 309:
🇺🇸 Jon Jones entering the Octogon#UFC #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/gRUg6xCMTL
— Thomas Peters (@thomasopeters) November 17, 2024
#UFC309 – Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocicpic.twitter.com/X63mzkGLBu
— UFC Fans (@ufcfansfr) November 17, 2024
What a knock 😳 out by Jon Jones at #UFC309pic.twitter.com/dT4Alnw0uj
— Matthew Murrie (@MattMurrie) November 17, 2024
JON JONES KNOCKS OUT STIPE#UFC309
pic.twitter.com/IQhiG5MGrw— Delinquent MMA (@DelinquentMMA) November 17, 2024
BREAKING: UFC Champion Jon Jones does the ‘Trump dance’ after his win. pic.twitter.com/B1lX1hbkHR
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) November 17, 2024
JON “BONES” JONES WORLD #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/jn3QAA27Pn
— Haduucken (@Haduuuucken) November 17, 2024
