Jon Jones has been in phenomenal form since returning to the heavyweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
The most decorated light heavyweight fighter in UFC history has come back to an electric return in defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 by submission after just two minutes and four seconds in the first round with a Guillotine Choke.
This was Jones’ first UFC fight since February 8, 2020, when he was awarded victory over Dominick Reyes by unanimous decision.
Now, New Yorkers jump on sportsbooks promos for UFC as Jon Jones next match up will feature at Maddison Square Garden at UFC295 against Stipe Miocic.
Jon Jones
Considered to be one of the best UFC fighters of all time, Jones holds a record of 27 wins and one loss. His only loss was actually for disqualification for a downward elbow.
He has defeated everyone he has faced in the Octagon and holds the record of being the youngest champion in UFC history.
We have seen Jon Jones display an incredible range of fighting styles in his time competing in the UFC.
Jones is a defensive wrestler who combines his skill with a mix of Muay Thai and Jeet Kun Do, especially when striking to inflict damage at speed.
His feet and leg work are a force to be reckoned with where he holds a varied and dangerous mix of kicking styles which double up with his wrestling ability to make him an all-round top fighter.
The fighter from Rochester, New York, is a patient fighter who will not force a strike or attack. He is a calculated fighter who has a high fight IQ.
His long frame, especially his reach, is a real strength which he has learnt to use to his advantage incredibly well.
His jabs and kicks can reach from range, which other fighters have failed to get past to mount their own attacks, this will be difficult though against Stipe Miocic who is also a very tall fighter.
Stipe Miocic
Son of Croatian immigrants, Miocic is the most successful heavyweight fighter in UFC history and this matchup is a dream scenario for all UFC fans.
The full-time firefighter and paramedic has 20 wins and four defeats in his career. He, like Jones, has not fought in UFC for a while with his last match being a loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021 at UFC 260.
Miocic was beaten by knock out in that previous match over two years ago in the second round.
The American heavyweight is a quick and agile fighter who is extremely quick. He defender his heavyweight title four times during his two reigns.
At 6’4’’ he is slightly taller than his opponent and partnering this with his impressive lateral movement and excellent footwork, he has a strong ability to move in and out of opponent’s range quickly to look for a strike or takedown.
Like Jones, he has a wrestling background in high school before going on to train in mixed martial arts and boxing.
It’s been 12 years since he signed his first multi-year deal with the UFC and got off to a great start, winning his opening fight over Joey Beltran at UFC 136 via unanimous decision.
What can we expect?
Miocic is the greatest heavyweight in UFC history going into this fight, and whatever happens, he will still hold that title.
The stakes are a lot higher for Jones, who is stepping up into the heavyweight division.
Should Jones win, he stakes his case to be the MMA Greatest of all Time (GOAT), if he loses, his legacy will be solely based in the light heavyweight division which will leave him placed behind other rivals in the GOAT discussion.
Jones will go into the fight as the favourite, but it won’t be a cut and dry decision. Miocic is an experienced fighter who will provide a much tougher test than Jones’ last opponent, Ciryl Gane.
With Miocic’s wrestling background and technical boxing style will match up well with Jones which is exactly why this fight is so eagerly anticipated.
Miocic’s speed could be the deciding factor which former Olympic champion Daniel Cormier has spoken off. Cormier has faced both fighters in the past and believes Miocic has what it takes to beat Jones.
“If Miocic, with his boxing background, is still fast, that could give Jones problems. With Jones, nothing is very fast or overly quick.”
One thing to note for Jones is that, should he defeat Miocic, he will surely have run out of legitimate contenders.
For both these men, this could be their defining final fight, to show where they finish their careers as UFC fighters.
Jones will want to go out on top as the GOAT against a fighter who has been away from the Octagon for a while.
