Jon Jones confirms matchup against Stipe Miocic
The newest UFC heavyweight champion has been crowned. Jon Jones defeated Ciryl Gane via submission in very anti-climactic fashion during Saturday’s main event at UFC 285.
The only damage that Gane dealt Jones was a kick to the nuts 10 seconds into the fight. Jones scored an easy takedown, and controlled Gane against the cage for the majority of the fight. After minimal resistance from Gane, Jones locked in a guillotine choke that secured the victory and heavyweight belt.
Former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic was in attendance for UFC 285 last night. Knowing this, Jones used his post-fight interview to confirm a future matchup between the two.
Jones said, “Oh yeah baby y’all wanna see me beat up Stipe?” He continued, “Stipe Miocic I hope you’re training my guy. You’re the greatest heavyweight of all time and that’s what I want. I want you, real bad.”
A fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic would likely be even more compelling than Saturday’s matchup.
Return of Stipe Miocic Two Years in the Making
Arguably the most successful UFC heavyweight of all time, Stipe Miocic has an extensive resumé, defeating names like Daniel Cormier, Francis Ngannou, and Alistair Overeem during his career. Miocic has not fought since losing the title via knockout in a rematch with Ngannou.
Now 40 years old, Miocic will have an opportunity to claim UFC heavyweight gold for the third time. During an interview at the UFC 285 weigh in, Dana White stated, “He’s absolutely the next one. So whoever wins on Saturday night, will face Stipe next.”
Jones making Gane look like a rookie last night confirmed that the matchup will be Miocic vs. Jones.
It has been almost two years since Miocic lost the heavyweight title in brutal fashion. Many questioned whether the knockout by Ngannou would mark the end of the road for the Ohio native. Up until that knockout, Miocic was the most consistent presence in the heavyweight division maybe ever. A trilogy with Ngannou never came to fruition and likely never will, now that Ngannou is no longer with the UFC.
Miocic’s patience did pay off though, as he will likely make his return to the octagon against the G.O.A.T. Jon Jones.
Heavyweight Division is more compelling than ever
The heavyweight belt being vacated created the matchup that took place at UFC 285.
Jones completed a successful transition from light heavyweight to heavyweight. After a three-year hiatus, Jones beat the former interim champion in Gane to become champion of the heavyweight division, a division that was fully in the control of former champion Ngannou for almost two years.
Ngannou was dominant during his title reign and was never seriously threatened in those two years. So dominant that the division arguably became not interesting.
Ngannou’s departure, Jones winning the belt, and an impending match with Miocic has changed that completely. Jones versus Gane was only the start of compelling storylines in the heavyweight division. A fight between Jones and the former champion in Miocic will be massive.
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