UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic – Essential Event Information

Jon Jones is set to make his highly anticipated comeback from injury to defend his UFC heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic this Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. Jones, a former light-heavyweight champion, will confront Miocic, a 42-year-old former heavyweight champion. Both athletes have experienced significant time away from competition, with Jones having been inactive for one year and eight months, and Miocic for three years and seven months. Miocic, hailing from Ohio, possesses the record for the highest number of successful title defenses in the heavyweight division, whereas Jones is defending the championship he secured in 2023. This bout was initially planned for November 2023; however, an injury sustained by Jones, followed by Miocic’s withdrawal, led to Tom Aspinall stepping in and being crowned interim champion. Jones, aged 37, is widely regarded by many as the greatest mixed martial artist in history, yet he has suggested that his upcoming encounter with Miocic might be his final MMA contest. Both competitors have experienced extended periods of inactivity. Jones’s last fight was in March 2023, when he defeated Ciryl Gane to claim the heavyweight championship, while Miocic has been out of action since March 2021. The preliminary card features a lightweight contest pitting Charles Oliveira against Michael Chandler, in addition to appearances by Scotsman Paul Craig and Welshman Oban Elliott. Live text commentary for UFC 309 will be available starting at 04:00 GMT on Sunday, 17 November, via the BBC Sport website and app. Typically, UFC events adhere to a standard timetable, and UFC 309 is anticipated to follow this pattern. The preliminary fights are scheduled to commence at 01:00 GMT on Sunday, 17 November. The main card will get underway from 03:00, and the Jones v Miocic headline bout is not projected to begin prior to 05:00. The main card lineup includes: * Jon Jones v Stipe Miocic – UFC heavyweight title fight (5x5min rounds) * Charles Oliveira v Michael Chandler 2 – lightweight (5x5min rounds) * Viviane Araujo v Karine Silva – flyweight (3x5min rounds) * Bo Nickal v Paul Craig – middleweight * Mauricio Ruffy v James Llontop – catchweight 16lbs The undercard features: * Jonathan Martinez v Marcus McGhee – bantamweight * Chris Weidman v Eryk Anders – middleweight * Jim Miller v Damon Jackson – lightweight * David Onama v Roberto Romero – featherweight * Jhonata Diniz v Marcin Tybura – heavyweight * Ramiz Brahimaj v Mickey Gall – welterweight * Bassil Hafez v Oban Elliott – welterweight * Veronica Hardy v Eduarda Moura – flyweight Retired UFC champion Michael Bisping stated: “Stipe is a natural heavyweight and Jon Jones isn’t. It’s hard to go against Jon Jones. Stipe might knock Jones out with one shot. I do think Jon Jones gets the fight done.” Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall commented: “It’s always difficult to say with heavyweights, you never know because it’s so dangerous. Stipe has the power advantage but I think Jon is way more athletic, and Jon has more ways to win. So I would give the edge to Jon, but I wouldn’t be surprised either way.” Scottish fighter Paul Craig remarked: “This is a beautiful fight. I do believe Jon has got the credentials to beat him. I am not writing off Stipe, there’s always a puncher’s chance. I just believe Jones is going to be too much for him.” Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou offered his prediction: “[If I had to pick a winner] it would have to be Stipe.” Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira stated: “Two great names. But I’m rooting for Jon Jones.” Lightweight contender Michael Chandler observed: “Jon Jones is everyone’s GOAT [Greatest of all time]. And then you got Stipe who has many tools. These guys are out for finish from the first bell to the last bell.” Former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya predicted: “I’m going for Jon Jones within the first two rounds. I don’t know if it’s going to be knockout or submission. I think he’s going to get it done in crazy fashion.” Jones (27-1-1NC) is consistently discussed as one of the greatest fighters of all time; however, in Miocic, he confronts an individual widely regarded as the most consistent heavyweight champion in UFC history. Miocic (20-4) has claimed the championship on two occasions and has competed against numerous prominent heavyweights throughout his career, securing victories against Francis Ngannou, Daniel Cormier, Andrei Arlovski, and Fabricio Werdum. This powerful striker boasts 15 stoppages among his 20 victories and has suffered only four defeats, which were to Cormier, Ngannou, Junior dos Santos, and Stefan Struve. Miocic employs his superior cardio and striking prowess to overpower his adversaries and holds the record for the most finishes in UFC heavyweight title bouts, with four. Furthermore, he shares the record with legendary fighter Randy Couture for the most wins in title fights, with six. No other individual has successfully defended a UFC heavyweight title more times than Miocic. Jones, representing Albuquerque, has only one defeat on his professional record, which was a disqualification loss to Matt Hamill in 2009. He has accumulated 27 victories in 29 contests, following a 2017 win against his fierce rival Cormier being overturned to a no-contest due to a failed drug test. Jones has faced two doping suspensions during his UFC tenure. Jones holds the distinction of being the youngest UFC champion ever, having claimed the light-heavyweight title at the age of 23. Standing at 6ft 4in, he proved to be an insurmountable presence in the light-heavyweight division, defeating every challenger he encountered, including Cormier, Ryan Bader, Mauricio Rua, Lyoto Machida, Vitor Belfort, and Rashad Evans. Jones is recognized for his almost flawless all-around fighting ability, capable of stopping, submitting, or decisively outperforming an opponent. His record includes 10 stoppages and seven submissions, and he holds the most successful title defenses in light-heavyweight history with 11, placing him alongside flyweight legend Demetrious Johnson for the highest number of title defenses in UFC history. Tom Aspinall, who currently holds the interim championship, is positioned as the number one contender in the heavyweight division. **Wednesday – Media Day from 15:00 GMT** During fight week, it is customary for all fighters to participate in a media session with the press, engaging in both individual and group interviews. Scotsman Craig, along with Jones, Chandler, and Miocic, are scheduled to speak. **Thursday – News Conference from 22:00 GMT** The Theater within Madison Square Garden will serve as the venue for all main event participants, including Jones and Miocic. Typically, both fans and media members are permitted to pose questions to the fighters prior to the concluding face-offs. **Friday – Weigh-in from 22:00 GMT** The UFC conducts both early and ceremonial weigh-ins. The early weigh-ins, which register the official weights, take place from 14:00. The ceremonial weigh-ins are held later in the day, commencing at