Stipe Miocic has not fought since he lost the heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021. Ngannou has fought once in the UFC and twice in boxing since then. However, the UFC had scheduled Miocic to fight Jon Jones at UFC 295, but the latter pulled out due to injury.
Despite Jones’ injury, UFC CEO Dana White is adamant on rebooking the fight on Jones’ return. Jones is also in favor of the idea, putting interim champion Tom Aspinall in a tough spot. Interestingly, Miocic is also all for it, evidenced by what he said in his recent appearance on the JAXXON podcast.
You’re damn right [I’ll be Jon’s first fight when he comes back]. That’s what I want. I’m gonna wait, I don’t care. I want that fight.
Stipe Miocic via JAXXON podcast
Miocic is no stranger to long lay-offs. From 2018 to 2020, Miocic only fought four times, thrice against Daniel Cormier. During his prime, fight fans considered Miocic a scary matchup for Jones if he moved to heavyweight. However, that is not the case now, as Miocic would be 42 when he faces Jones.
Jones has already made plans after his fight against Miocic. The heavyweight champion pondered the possibility of fighting light heavyweight champion Alex Pereria, disregarding interim champion Tom Aspinall. Nevertheless, Jones should never count out Miocic, even in his 40s, as they will likely fight later this year.
Stipe Miocic reveals timeframe for fight against Jon Jones
The UFC’s original plan was to make Stipe Miocic vs. Jon Jones the main event of UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden. Rumors were that Jones and Miocic would call it a career after the fight. Jones was the betting favorite, and the expectation was that Jones would retire, cementing his legacy as the best pound-for-pound fighter.
Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones (Source: IMAGO)An unfortunate pectoral injury halted the plans. Moreover, the UFC didn’t want Miocic to fight the backup fighter Sergei Pavlovich. Instead, they moved Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka to the main event and booked Pavlovich vs. Tom Aspinall as the co-main event for the interim heavyweight title. UFC has never officially announced when Jones will return, but Miocic recently provided some details.
They were talking about July [UFC 304]. But that’s passed. So I’m thinking more maybe probably November [potentially UFC 308] again in New York.
Stipe Miocic via JAXXON podcast
🚨 Stipe Miocic says that the UFC had previously spoken to him about the fight between him and Jon Jones taking place in July, but he now believes the fight will take place in November at Madison Square Garden
(via. JAXXON Podcast) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/fKVCmTTLH4
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 9, 2024
The Madison Square Garden PPV of the UFC always delivers. As such, the UFC will likely put Miocic vs. Jones on the MSG PPV card. However, New York has high taxes, and many fighters won’t fight there. Therefore, the UFC’s final PPV of the year in Las Vegas in December is also a potential place and date for Miocic vs. Jones.
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