Jon Jones is all set to make his UFC return after more than a year to defend his heavyweight title. Jones will go against the heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 at the iconic Madison Square Garden. It could be Jones’s last fight in the UFC, and the veteran left no stone unturned in the preparation.
Jones was previously scheduled to fight Miocic last year at UFC 295, but the bout was canceled due to Jones’ injury. ‘Bones’ tore his pectoral muscles and was out for a long time. But now it feels like the fighter has fully recovered, which is evident in his latest update.
Jones recently went on to Instagram and shared a picture of him with abs ahead of the fight. The decorated fighter looked way leaner in comparison to his previous heavyweight bout. He won’t come in as heavy as he did in the previous bout from the look of this picture. This has sent fans into a frenzy, expecting a masterclass performance from their favorite fighter.
Jon Jones shows off his physique just 45 days out from #UFC309 💪
📸 IG / @JonnyBones #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/9GkeNVsoWI
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 3, 2024
Jones won the heavyweight title at UFC 285 after beating Ciryl Gane via submission in the first round. It will be his first-ever heavyweight title defense, and Jones would like to finish his career excellently. Going into the fight, it would be interesting to see how fans react after Jones finally leaves his gloves inside the octagon.
Significance of backup fighter at Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Despite the obvious hype around Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, some fans are concerned about injuries potentially ruining the clash. For times like that, UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has already been selected as the backup fighter. The Brit has promised to be in fighting shape to replace anybody if necessary.
However, many, including UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier, believe that won’t happen. According to DC, if anybody from Jones or Miocic pulls out, the other won’t fight Tom Aspinall. UFC veteran Anthony Smith, however, has a different opinion about Miocic’s mindset and recently shared it in a podcast.
He (Miocic) wants to beat Jon because everyone else says that Jon is the best. He couldn’t care less about Jon Jones. He just doesn’t. Whether it’s Jon or it’s Tom Aspinall, he’s going to train about the same. It’s not going to really change much. He has that mentality where it’s not about what that guy is going to do and how I’m going to react to it. His whole mindset is flipped.
Anthony Smith via Believe You Me Podcast
Both Jones and Miocic are in their last stint as professional MMA fighters. It won’t be surprising to see Miocic follow Jones’s footsteps and announce retirement after UFC 309. This particularly has raised the hype around the card, as fans don’t want to miss the opportunity to experience these legends fighting for the last time.
