A significant event is resurfacing in the world of mixed martial arts as the undisputed champion, Jon Jones, is set to return to the UFC octagon at Madison Square Garden on November 16. An epic clash is about to ensue as he faces off against the two-time champion Stipe Miocic, a titanic bout with great ramifications for their individual narratives. Miocic is generally hailed as the topmost heavyweight in the UFC’s history. Amid speculation about Miocic’s combat readiness following a four-year hiatus, curiosity is high about whether he can make history by defeating Jones for the first time.
With deeply established legacies at stake, this match is potentially the most significant in the history of the sport. Jones’s place as the best heavyweight champion was solidified in 2023, and Miocic stands a chance to restore his reputation after experiencing a shocking defeat to Francis Ngannou in 2021. Considering they are both nearing the twilight of their careers, the upcoming fight could mark a retirement event for either fighter.
Madison Square Garden, one of the worlds most iconic sports venues, provides the ideal stage for this much-anticipated battle between these entrancing contenders, whose prime fighting days might be behind them. Frequently underlined is the question of agility and form in light of both fighters’ age and their recent inactivity. Their overall performance and the outcome of the fight remain uncertain after a few passive years in the octagon.
Yet, setting aside his controversies outside the professional sphere, Jones’s undeniable talent as a fighter places him amongst the greatest to ever grace the UFC. His career is only rivaled by the impeccable Khabib Nurmagomedov, despite Khabib having fewer accolades to his name than Jones. It is well acknowledged that Jones is a first-rate athlete with a distinct prowess for causing damage to his opponents, utilizing his wide range of skills to dominate in every aspect of mixed martial arts.
Despite an excellent performance, Jones’s record remains scarred by a disqualification loss that might soon be erased with the advent of new regulatory changes. A loss that didn’t seem fair to him. Roughly a year earlier, a pectoral muscle strain suffered in a pre-match training session forced Jones to undergo surgery, causing a long pause in his career. This unfortunate event occurred just before his intended face-off with Miocic in November 2023. As fate would have it, the two are set to confront each other once again.
Considering the inescapable effects of aging, Jones, now a year older, finds himself facing a formidable adversary in Father Time. However, the heavyweight division, offering ample room for extended careers, sees Jones’s age of 37 as less of a drawback compared to his competitor. Despite this advantage, Jones’s infrequent appearances in the octagon may potentially hinder his performance, as lack of competitive action can affect any sportsman, even the most gifted.
For Miocic, this is a golden opportunity to lay claim to the heavyweight championship title for the third time in his illustrious career. If he bests Jon Jones, the title of ‘the greatest heavyweight of all time’ becomes more than just a possibility, potentially positioning him as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. Complicating matters is Miocic’s age, now 42, as well as his drawn-out absence from combat after his formidable defeat at the hands of Francis Ngannou four years prior.
Although heavyweights often have the ability to perform competitively for a longer duration than their counterparts in lower weight classes, conjectures surrounding Miocic’s current form remain. Despite his dedication to keeping fit, as showcased in his full-time firefighting career in Ohio, it remains to be seen whether Miocic can translate his physical conditioning into the technical skills necessary to overcome an opponent of Jones’s caliber.
Naturally, the comparative age and physical condition of the two combatants are pivotal. In addition to this, the technical showdown between both champions is stirring up great curiosity and excitement among UFC 309 audiences. Over time, Miocic’s tremendous abilities seem to be overshadowed. However, with his rapid hands, precise boxing skills, and a versatile range of wrestling tactics, Miocic is a formidable fighter to encounter in the cage.
Having gained the reputation as ‘the best’, Jones displays his formidable displays of creativity and precision, utilizing his arms and legs to defeat his opponents. And, like Miocic, his wrestling skills are undeniably elite. As they clash, Miocic will likely leverage his agility to create irregular angles and perplex Jones, while seeking gaps to launch his direct attacks. On the other hand, Jones plans to manage the range with potent kicks and make Miocic pay for any attempt to close in.
Much like the perception of many fans and so-called experts, the general assumption gravitates towards the notion that Miocic maybe too aged and lacking in potency to triumph over Jones. However, this upcoming fight unfolds a mere three years after Glover Texeira clinched a light heavyweight title at 42, potentially negating Miocic’s age as a strong consideration. More so, Miocic is renowned for his expertise in boxing and presents an immediate threat to Jones, with his lengthy heavyweight experience and strong wrestling background.
In terms of speed, it seems Miocic may have the edge, especially considering that Jones failed to impress with his athletic prowess during his first match carrying extra weight. Additionally, Jones’s recent serious pectoral injury may significantly impact his performance. At odds of +500, betting on a Miocic win might not be such a far-fetched notion.
In a sport that has seen weirder upsets, Jones facing defeat against Miocic, who is deemed the greatest heavyweight of all time, at the age of 37, while recovering from a surgery, isn’t exactly unconceivable. However, it’s also equally possible that Jones could leverage this fight to reinstate his superiority and validate his status as the GOAT. But at -700 odds, the returns on a successful Jones bet seem to present considerably less value.