A fight between Stipe Miocic and UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been the promotional eye candy for a while. Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances resulted in the title match subsequently falling apart last October despite the massive build-up. Now that they have had to postpone the legacy billing, fans say there’s a log jam by Bones especially.
By his admission, Jon Jones is holding up the state of the topmost division for one mere defense and a large singular payout. CEO Dana White has been rigidly onboard with this legacy fight. At the tail-end of their performance output, such a fight makes sense. However, it does not apply to Tom Aspinall, who wants to unify his gold. Miocic understands but says he isn’t to blame.
I get it. I’d feel the same way, but I’m not taking anything away from him [Aspinall]…The UFC can do what they want. It is what it is. There’s only one guy I want to fight. But at the same time, the UFC can pick who they want… I’m not holding up any division like everyone says…Do what you want and stop crying. I’m not saying [Aspinall] is crying. I’m just saying like fans and stuff like that.
Stipe Miocic via Shak MMA
It is on brand for the Team Jackson’s Acoma MMA fighter to be nonchalant. Stipe Miocic feels some empathy for Aspinall, who will now put his interim gold to the test against Curtis Blaydes. Their rematch for the interim title at UFC 304 will reveal the next dominant threat in the division. Come July end, the state of the division might change, with Miocic being open to a unification bout.
As for himself, Miocic’s last stoppage loss was at UFC 260: Miocic vs. Ngannou 2, some years ago. The consensus is that the showdown will be the highlight of the UFC’s return to the Madison Square Garden Arena on November 9. However, that’s only a target – for now, Miocic keeps training. As such, the former champ has some notions about how it’ll go.
After a layoff of more than 3 years, Stipe Miocic details plans to beat Jon Jones
For some, Jones vs. Miocic is the dreamboat pitting two legends. For Aspinall, it’s a jam. Concurrently, for some others, it’s a growing concern how Stipe Miocic (20-4) will face the G.O.A.T. Miocic’s last fight win was back in the summer of 2020 against Daniel Cormier.
Stipe Miocic, Jon Jones (Source: IMAGO/fightersonlymag.com)Having firsthand experience, ‘DC’ presents that Miocic will still be a killer and quite the heavyweight tactician. Nevertheless, Jon Jones isn’t exactly dillydallying, either. The 36-year-old is the oldest running titleholder in the active roster right now, along with Alex Pereira.
Jones knows the pressure ahead to snag a win. If the orthodox out of Strong Style Fight Team can beat him, new records will be set. Miocic, 41, has been jonesing for such a dominant win for a while now. He thus has a rough game plan for the all-around ‘Bones.’
I think styles make match-ups. I think I have a style that doesn’t match well with his style…He does a lot of good things. He’s good with his distance, his leg kicks and on the ground. I’m good at making it a fight…I’m technical but I can also make it into the brawl and make him feel really uncomfortable as does he.
Stipe Miocic via Shak MMA (H/T: bloodyelbow.com)
No one has pressured Stipe Miocic to the cage. Not Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou, or other heavyweight legends managed to pressure Miocic. Even in the brutal knockout loss to Ngannou at UFC 260, Miocic attempted to stand and strike with the scary knockout power of ‘The Predator.’ As such, Miocic doesn’t see any reason to be concerned about for the eventual showdown with Jones.
