Jon Jones Retains Heavyweight Title, Stops Stipe Miocic with Spinning Kick at UFC 309

Jon Jones solidified his standing as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time by defeating Stipe Miocic with a spectacular kick to defend his heavyweight title at UFC 309. Jones, an American, knocked out his compatriot Miocic with a powerful spinning back kick in the third round at New York’s Madison Square Garden, marking the first defense of his championship belt. Jones, aged 37, stated his intention to continue his UFC career, though he did not confirm whether his next bout would be against Britain’s interim champion, Tom Aspinall. “As far as my future in the octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire,” Jones remarked. “I’ll have some conversations and we have some negotiating to do and if everything goes right, maybe we’ll give you guys what you want to see.” Following his loss, Miocic, 42, a former two-time heavyweight champion, confirmed his retirement. “It sucked I lost. I knew he was one of the best of all time. Came strong. I felt good. I was blocking and he caught me in the ribs,” Miocic commented. He added, “I’m done. I’m hanging them up. I’m retiring, thank God.” The victory for Jones, a former light-heavyweight champion, extended his record to 16 wins in title fights and 22 overall in the UFC. Miocic, conversely, concludes his career holding the record for the most heavyweight title defenses, with four, and is widely regarded as the division’s greatest champion. The event’s prominence was heightened by the attendance of American president-elect Donald Trump, who was seated octagon-side. He received a warm welcome upon his arrival, accompanied by tech billionaire Elon Musk, musician Kid Rock, and UFC president Dana White. Trump acknowledged fans, who chanted “USA” as he approached the octagon, before enjoying applause and dancing as the UFC broadcasted footage celebrating his election win. Dana White served as a significant supporter and campaigner for Trump during the election. Meanwhile, the UFC continues to face legal challenges regarding its operational practices, stemming from lawsuits filed by former fighters. While the UFC promoted the fight as the most significant heavyweight contest in history, it was Aspinall, present at octagon-side, who largely dominated the pre-fight narrative during fight week. Aspinall disclosed that he had been barred from a news conference and weigh-ins, as Jones grew increasingly irritated by media inquiries concerning the 31-year-old British fighter. Aspinall had claimed the interim title against Sergei Pavlovich a year prior, after Jones’s original scheduled fight with Miocic was canceled due to injury. However, instead of arranging a title unification bout, the Jones versus Miocic match was rebooked. Miocic, exhibiting the same composed demeanor he had throughout the build-up, appeared relaxed during his walkout. Jones, on the other hand, smiled and exchanged high-fives with fans as he entered to Jadakiss’ ‘The Champ is Here’, before performing his characteristic cartwheel into the octagon. As Bruce Buffer introduced the fighters, Aspinall rose to his feet. Jones initiated the contest with a sharp left hand. Supporters of Miocic, displaying Croatia flags, loudly chanted “Stipe, Stipe” in the initial moments, but Jones quieted them with an early takedown. Jones, who boasts the second-highest takedown defense in UFC history at 95%, controlled the remainder of the first round, attempting armbars and landing several elbows. He maintained pressure on his opponent in the second round, damaging Miocic with a body kick and a knee from the clinch, before the former champion countered with a signature straight right. A straight left jab followed by a short right hand caused a cut below Miocic’s right eye midway through the fight, preceding the decisive moment. With Miocic pressed against the cage, Jones delivered a powerful spinning back kick to the body, which sent the challenger to the canvas, prompting the referee to intervene and stop the contest. Jones celebrated by dancing in the center of the octagon, then approached Trump, presenting his title to the president-elect. This marked Jones’s 28th career victory; his only loss was a disqualification against Matt Hamill in 2009 for using illegal elbows, a technique that would be permissible under current rules. “It’s like fighting against the Terminator,” Jones commented regarding Miocic. He added, “Very, very discouraging to hit somebody that’s not reacting to it. But that body shot, no matter how tough you are, the liver’s the liver.” Miocic, who notably did not perform the customary gesture of taking off his gloves as retiring fighters often do, praised Jones. “I just didn’t do what I was suppose to do. Congratulations to him. He did what he was supposed to and he won. Only wish the best for him,” Miocic stated. Donald Trump, accompanied by tech billionaire Elon Musk, celebrated with Jones. Jones displayed considerable confidence, making his entrance into the ring with a cartwheel. Tom Aspinall, observing from cageside, smiled when Jones indicated he did not plan to retire. On the undercard, Welsh welterweight Oban Elliott produced the night’s first memorable moment by knocking out American Bassil Hafez with a formidable overhand right in the third round. Elliott, 26, celebrated by emulating former WWE superstars Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan, strutting in the octagon’s center and cupping each of his ears. This victory is Elliott’s third since his UFC debut last year, improving his overall professional record to 11 wins and two defeats. In another undercard bout, Scotland’s Paul Craig suffered a unanimous decision loss to American Bo Nickal. The crowd expressed strong disapproval of the fight, which lacked significant action, as middleweight Nickal extended his undefeated streak to seven, while Craig recorded his third consecutive loss.