Jon Jones will defend his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November, after calling the fighter up after his blowout defeat of Ciryl Gane in March.
Bones made a stunning return to the Octagon after a three-year absence in early 2023, with Jones’ strenuous dominance forcing victory after just two minutes and four seconds.
After winning the heavyweight belt from Gane, the self-proclaimed ‘GOAT’ turned his ambition in the direction of Miocic, who had watched the fight from the audience.
“Stipe Miocic, I hope you’ve been coaching my boy,” Jones said.
You’re the greatest heavyweight of all time, and that’s what I want. I wish you – very badly.’
Jon Jones will fight Stipe Miocic on November 11 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The 40-year-old MMA fighter has not competed since his March 2021 loss to Francis Ngannou.
according to ESPNJones will get the chance to fight Miocic at Madison Square Gardens in New York City after UFC president Dana White announced the main event ahead of the weigh-in for UFC 290 on Friday.
Miocic hasn’t fought since March 2021, when he was defeated by Francis Ngannou at UFC 260.
By contrast, Jones has never really lost a contest, and his rich legacy in the sport makes him arguably the greatest boxer of all time.
However, he is ready to take time on his brief return, and the 35-year-old has previously hinted that a possible fight against Miocic, should it take place, would be his last.
“I feel like the Stipe fight will be enough for me,” Jones said in early May. “I really don’t feel like I have much to prove after beating Stipe Miocic. I’ve been in the game a long time, and in the fighter years, I’m an old guy.
‘I have some small injuries and I really want to be close.
“I want to be close to my family, I want to be close to my kids, I want to be able to play with my kids and have a good head on my shoulders and working joints.”
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The news of the fight and Jones’ impending retirement will be a disappointment to those who would see the fighter face several of his old rivals.
Fellow wrestler Daniel Cormier teased the possibility of a matchup between Jones and Ngannou, who raised the dust after Jones’ win over Gane, claiming that the potential matchup could “blow the roof off” anywhere it took place. just.
“I think that’s the one that Jones will be excited about,” Cormier said.
“It will challenge him physically, but also mentally so that his preparation is ready and more ready than ever because he understands the challenges ahead at Francis Ngannou.”
Tyson Fury also spoke about setting up a super fight with the MMA fighter, after trading a number of blows with Jones on social media over the past few weeks.
The Gypsy King received a boost to his chances at the end of June, after the WBC confirmed that it will not name a mandatory challenger for his heavyweight belt.
Jones shared a snapshot of himself and Israel Adesanya shaking hands after meeting in Las Vegas.
Everyone was smiling as the two elite athletes came together for a well-deserved hug.
Meanwhile, outside the Octagon, Jones buried the hatchet with his old adversary Israel Adesanya on Thursday, after the pair met in Las Vegas.
Jones shared a photo and video of the two on Instagram, saying: ‘We need more of this! Life is too short not to be able to crush meats and get along with the homie.
“It was a real treat kicking it off with middleweight champion @stylebender last night. I wish my man nothing but the best moving forward #respect’.
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