Jon Jones successfully defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic in the UFC 309 pay-per-view (PPV) main event. Now, the MMA G.O.A.T. is once again raging on the P4P rankings debate. ‘Bones’ even made arguably the top spot in several outlets’ men’s Pound-for-Pound rankings. However, UFC competition veteran Matt Brown is not all that amazed.
A big fixture in the UFC 170-pound roster, Brown made waves at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Almeida and bowed out. One does not get to be “The Immortal” and see and do it all without reserving some quirk and judgement. It’s not that Brown discredits Jones for his Round 3 TKO of Miocic at UFC 309. It’s just that Brown thinks Miocic was devoid of drive against Jones.
This might be a little controversial, but to me, it almost takes away a little bit from Jon Jones. I mean he beat him almost flawlessly. I gave Stipe round two…As bad as he looked athletically — he looked his age, also — I say he looked past his age, to be honest, Straight legs, no hate on Stipe. It just looked like he didn’t have it at this point…
Matt Brown on a recent episode of ‘The Fighter vs. The Writer‘ for MMAFighting in SBN
Miocic appeared to be struggling with some significant octagon rust as he returned to competition after a lengthy layoff. This was following his knockout loss to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021. At 42, the Ohio native’s age also appeared to play a role. The TKO finish was ‘flawless’ – but was it really if the rival himself is at flaw due to wear and tear? Brown went on to say that in his eyes, Miocic lacked urgency.
Stipe, to me, looked like he didn’t really want to be there. He’s there for the challenge and maybe the money. I don’t know what his motivations were exactly. But it didn’t look to me like he really wanted to be there.
Matt Brown further said
Following the pay-per-view (PPV) top bill and octagon interview, Miocic kept to his word and retired. However, rather than leaving one mitt on the bloody mat or signaling an open window into MMA, he just up-and-left. Disinterested or done? There’s no telling. But having been the greatest of UFC competition heavyweights, the Strong Style Fight Team fighter got a special tribute.
UFC drops new tribute montage for Stipe Miocic
Does Jon Jones deserve to be number one in the pound-for-pound rankings? After his first ballot defense of the heavyweight gold at UFC 309 PPV, he leaped to No. 2 spot in the official weekly updates. But still, that doesn’t stop begging the question if he deserves it more than ‘active’ stellar talents such as Alex Pereria, Ilia Topuria, and Islam Makhachev.
Stipe Miocic gets his post-retirement UFC montage (Source: X)However, there’s no such doubt with Stipe Miocic. He was the greatest heavyweight to do it. Miocic even had one in the box against the lineal ex-UFC heavyweight Ngannou. Following his defeat, Miocic officially put an end to a storied career. He finished his time in the cage with a record of 20-5, with 14 of those victories coming by way of knockout.
UFC media crew are already in habit of dropping gloated GOAT montages. Now they do one for Stipe Miocic after UFC 309 over a few platforms.
Forever a champion and legend.
Congrats on an incredible career, @StipeMiocic 👏 pic.twitter.com/86Kh1k3fFE
— UFC (@ufc) November 17, 2024
Miocic defended his title a record-equalling three times, defeating Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos and Ngannou. His three consecutive UFC heavyweight title defense during his first reign are the most in divisional history. His nine fight-night bonuses for UFC heavyweight bouts are also the most in division.
Miocic’s stoppage victory over Daniel Cormier at UFC 241, despite being -58 strikes down, is the second-biggest. This UFC title comeback trails only behind Anderson Silva. So, was UFC right in dropping this montage for arguably the best there was – the rational answer will always be yes.
