The comeback of Conor McGregor and Stipe Miocic has been buzzing among the community for a long time now. Both fighters are seemingly interested in returning to the octagon before the end of the year. However, UFC legend Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson mentioned an intriguing concept of warm-up fight for both McGregor and Miocic.
Jackson, being an MMA veteran, possesses a vivid knowledge of the sport and has a lot of experience fighting in several other promotions. In a recent episode of the JAXXON Podcast, the former UFC champion discussed the concept of a ‘warm-up’ fight. In doing so, Jackson also mentioned how Pride FC books a warm-up fight for the fighters coming after a long break.
They (UFC) should have more warmup fights for their stars. Look at Conor McGregor, he come back, he’s gonna need a warm-up fight but he’s not… and Stipe (Miocic) wanna fight Jon Jones his first time back. He should get some warm-up fights… They (UFC) don’t wanna do it you guys are not even conditioned to even think that way.
Quinton Jackson via JAXXON Podcast
UFC middleweight fighter Paulo Costa, who was also present in that podcast episode, doubled down on Jackson’s suggestions. As for McGregor and Miocic, both still pursue to fight one of the toughest fighters in their respective divisions. Even though they have made up their minds on who they want to fight next, there are still no official confirmations from UFC’s side yet.
Conor McGregor, in particular, was seemingly displeased with the UFC’s deliberate try to delay his fight against Michael Chandler. On the other hand, Stipe Miocic has indulged in training sessions to maintain his shape. As such, he recently posted his current physique update on his socials. However, that still leaves the doubt Jackson raised, considering their inactivity from the cage.
What is a warm-up fight that Rampage Jackson deems necessary for Conor McGregor and Stipe Miocic?
Even though Conor McGregor and Stipe Miocic had an excellent career at the UFC, their recent fight was not at par. As such, McGregor lost to Dustin Poirier and Miocic suffered a brutal knockout loss against Francis Ngannou. According to former UFC champion Quinton Jackson, the UFC icons should not rush their return.
Former UFC champion Quinton Jackson talks about the concept of warm-up fight (Image via Imago)Jackson explained the warm-up fight concept to give a reason for that suggestion. Per Rampage, before making a return to the octagon, both McGregor and Miocic should fight low-ranked fighters. Moreover, he also mentioned that it should be months before their main fight against their desired opponents.
The UFC doesn’t do this. Pride used to do this. If you come up from an injury or a real bad fight like say you coming off surgery. You should have a warm-up fight and UFC don’t believe in this I don’t know why cuz fighting is not only physical, it’s mental.
Quinton Jackson via JAXXON Podcast
Interestingly, Jackson followed that process to get his confidence back ahead of the big fights. As for McGregor and Miocic, that is still uncertain as the UFC doesn’t do such a thing in the promotion. Now, coming to their fights, there is no notification about McGregor’s fight. However, per several reports, the Miocic fight against Jon Jones is scheduled for November at Madison Square Garden.
