Jon Jones doesn’t owe anyone anything at the moment. However, the UFC heavyweight champion does need to explain some bits and bobs. For one – his decision to stall a future fight with current interim UFC heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall. Going into his first defense of the gold vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, “Bones” is already planning his outro.
Earlier this week, Jones spoke with MMA columnist Kevin Iole ahead of the Stipe Miocic title bout. It happens on the UFC 309 card next week. Many are still puzzled as to why the UFC promoters are so keen to deliver a Jones vs. Miocic instead of new blood like Tom Aspinall or even Alex Pereira. But the ‘notorious’ promotion does what the promotion wants. Jon Jones now defends his course:
As at this point in my career, every decision is rooted in purpose. My journey isn’t dictated by hype or outside opinions—it’s about crafting a legacy that speaks for itself, one step at a time. I’m here to do what’s right for my career and my legacy, with a vision that’s clear and unshakable. Focused, driven, and in complete control of myself. The story continues, and it’s unfolding exactly as I’ve envisioned.
Jon Jones via X (@JonnyBones)
Many have asked if he would unify his title with Aspinall and the answer always ended with denial. While Jones has danced around the topic in the past, ‘Bones’ confirmed he would not fight Aspinall. Instead, Jones would rather set up a super-fight with Alex Pereira, the current UFC 205-pound champ champion. Jones feels that Aspinall still hasn’t achieved enough in his career to warrant a bout.
As at this point in my career, every decision is rooted in purpose. My journey isn’t dictated by hype or outside opinions—it’s about crafting a legacy that speaks for itself, one step at a time. I’m here to do what’s right for my career and my legacy, with a vision that’s clear…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) November 8, 2024
Now, he goes on a Friday afternoon spree to combat the haters. The worst thing is, his intentions aren’t tweet-and-delete and out there to stay. Jon Jones is G.OA.T., but most still feel he is not “undisputed” if Brit interim Tom Aspinall and his strap exist. But away from unification, the decorated fighter has Miocic in mind.
Jon Jones: Stipe Miocic should not be ‘counted out’ at UFC 309
Ahead of his first heavyweight title defense at UFC 309 PPV, Jon Jones justifies Stipe Miocic as a worthy opponent. It’s because he believes legacy trumps action. Since defeating Daniel Cormier at UFC 252 in August 2020, former heavyweight champ Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) has not won a UFC fight. But experience matters, and legacy outbids all.
Jon Jones says not to count Stipe Miocic out at UFC 309 (Source: X)Stipe Miocic’s last outing outing was when former UFC champ Francis Ngannou knocked him out at UFC 260 in March 2021. Entering the tail end of UFC 309, November 16 / 11:00 AM GMT+8, Jon Jones says that’s not the image one should keep in mind about his opponent.
I feel that it’s unfortunate that we live in a world where one bad performance discredits a person so much, …Stipe has beat everyone. I mean, Junior dos Santos, Francis Ngannou, Daniel Cormier – some of the biggest names, you know? Many champions he’s defeated. I feel like I’m wise enough to know that one bad night doesn’t make a man or break a man. Stipe is every bit of worthy as my opponent.
Jon Jones to MMA columnist Kevin Iole for his YT Channel (@KevinIole) for UFC 309 pre-fight media availability
The heavyweight champion said it’s not easy to win back-to-back heavyweight championships. During his first reign, Miocic set the UFC record with three title defenses. That’s why many consider him the greatest heavyweight champion of all time. He added to that legacy by regaining the title and then defending it in a trilogy. Consequently, it’s not just Jones who says not to count him out.
