Stipe Miocic Eyes Only Jon Jones for Return Fight Amidst Heavyweight Division Uncertainty
Stipe Miocic, the former UFC heavyweight champion, has made his intentions clear: he wants to fight Jon Jones. However, the realization of this high-stakes matchup lies in the hands of the UFC.
As Miocic, now 41, eagerly anticipates his return to the octagon, he is aware that the decision is out of his control. The heavyweight division finds itself in a state of limbo following Tom Aspinall’s interim title win. This turn of events was necessitated by Jones’ torn pectoral muscle, which led to the cancellation of a scheduled bout against Miocic in 2023.
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The UFC remains steadfast in its plan for a Jones vs. Miocic showdown. Meanwhile, Aspinall prepares to defend his interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in June. Despite understanding Aspinall’s frustration at not getting to unify the titles in his next fight, Miocic acknowledges that such decisions are beyond his influence.
“I get it,” Miocic told CBS Sports. “I’d feel the same way, but I’m not taking anything away from him. The UFC can do what they want. It is what it is. There’s only one guy I want to fight, it’s Jon Jones. But at the same time, the UFC can pick who they want.”
“People don’t know this but there were a couple of other times where I was ready to fight and they gave them another guy. What am I supposed to do?”
Miocic hasn’t fought since his knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021. Initially, Miocic aimed to complete his trilogy with Ngannou, but “The Predator” left the UFC for PFL free agency, closing that chapter. Shifting his focus to Jones, Miocic remains determined to face a fighter often regarded as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
Jones, who secured the UFC heavyweight title in 2023, specifically targeted Miocic, recognizing the former champion’s historical significance. Miocic holds the record for the most UFC heavyweight title defenses, underscoring his legacy in the sport.
“Everyone thinks he’s going to beat my ass,” Miocic said of Jones. “I don’t like being told that. I like shutting people up. He’s beatable. I know he is. Anyone is beatable and I will be the first to do this.”
Miocic has long expressed interest in fighting Jones, even when “Bones” reigned over the light heavyweight division. Confident in his abilities, Miocic believes his fighting style poses a unique challenge to Jones.
“I think styles make matchups,” Miocic explained. “I think I have a style that doesn’t match well with his style. If the shoe’s on the other foot, it could be me as well. 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 a brawl and make him feel really uncomfortable as does he.”
While official offers or bout agreements have yet to materialize, sources suggest that the UFC is targeting a Jones vs. Miocic fight for November at Madison Square Garden in New York. Jones has also hinted at this date on social media.
Should this timeline hold, Miocic would be returning to the cage after nearly four years. Despite the hiatus, he remains confident in his ability to compete at the highest level.
“I am very competitive and will never lose it,” Miocic asserted. “It’s in my DNA. I love what I do and have the best coaches in the world that will have me ready whenever the fight comes up.”
As the heavyweight division navigates its current complexities, fans eagerly await the potential clash between Miocic and Jones, a fight that promises to be one of the most compelling in UFC history.
