Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 is one of the biggest matchups of this year. The showdown was already postponed once after Jones pulled out due to injury. Now, with Tom Aspinall waiting as the interim champion, there are discussions on what happens if ‘Bones’ does not make it to the fight again. UFC veteran Anthony Smith shared his thoughts on what Miocic might do then.
Stipe Miocic and Anthony Smith have a very cordial relationship. They are very good friends. Recently, Smith had a conversation on the Believe You Me podcast. During the podcast, Michael Bisping asked Smith if Stipe Miocic would duck Tom Aspinall if the undisputed heavyweight champion might not make it to fight night. Knowing Miocic very well, Smith gave a convincing answer.
I think [Miocic] will. Anytime I’ve ever had conversations about this kind of stuff with Stipe,… they make it seem like Stipe really gives a sh*t. He doesn’t really give a sh*t… He couldn’t care less about Jon Jones.
Anthony Smith via Believe You Me podcast
Anthony Smith mentioned that while the media and the UFC tend to hype up rivalries and opponent matchups, Miocic remains mostly indifferent. Smith said Miocic is “barely a fighter” outside the octagon. He does not immerse himself in the fight world unless he is actively preparing for a fight. Miocic’s focus is on performing inside the cage, regardless of the opponent.
Jones is often regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Many would consider a victory over him to be a significant achievement. Yet, Smith believes that Miocic prepares based on his own strengths and does not fixate on what his opponent might do. This mindset makes Miocic a formidable competitor and one of UFC’s most successful heavyweight champions.
Daniel Cormier reminds fans that Stipe Miocic is not an underdog
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier issued a strong reminder to fans and Jon Jones ahead of the UFC 309 showdown against Stipe Miocic. Cormier has fought both legendary fighters. With that experience, the former UFC champion cautioned that dismissing Miocic as “old” or past his prime is a serious mistake.
Daniel Cormier on Stipe Miocic (Image via Imago)Although 41, Stipe Miocic has defeated some of the top contenders in the division, including Cormier twice. Miocic holds the record for the most heavyweight title defenses in a row. During his appearance on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, Cormier felt the three year inactivity makes people want to count out the firefighter. As such, he attempted to remind people of who the legendary heavyweight is.
People seem to be looking past Stipe. Stipe is a bad boy!
Daniel Cormier via Pound 4 Pound
‘DC’ also urged the fans to recognize Miocic’s potential threat. Cormier referenced to former champion Francis Ngannou who also warned against dismissing Miocic lightly. This bout marks Jones’ first return to the octagon since his heavyweight title win over Ciryl Gane last year. Cormier concluded that if Jones overlooks Miocic’s experience and grit, it could be a huge error.
