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Jon Jones successfully defended his UFC Heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic with a TKO win in the third round, closing the bout at 4:29 with a spinning back kick and follow-up punches. This was Jones' first fight since March 2023, when he claimed the heavyweight title by defeating Cyril Gane.
The Jones vs Miocic showdown had originally been scheduled for last year, but Jones was sidelined due to injury. Miocic, for his part, had not fought since 2021, when he lost his title to Francis Ngannou. While Jones has denied retirement, In a post-fight interview following his TKO loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309, former UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic announced his retirement from MMA.
Miocic, 42, widely regarded as one of the most iconic and decorated fighters in UFC history, dominated throughout the fight, ultimately succumbing to a third-round knockout, which led him to step away from the sport.
"I’m done, I’m hanging ‘em, up," Miocic said. .
Miocic’s impressive career record stands at 20 wins and 5 losses, with one of his most notable achievements being his victories over Daniel Cormier in their trilogy of fights. Despite the loss to Jon Jones, Miocic remains one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history, solidifying his legacy as one of the most decorated champions in the sport.
Following Miocic's announcement, UFC President Dana White offered high praise for the retiring fighter.
"He's one of the greatest heavyweights ever. You can't deny Stipe. Stipe is [No. 1 or No. 2] all time," White said after the fight.
Miocic’s final fight saw him lose via a third-round stoppage after enduring heavy blows to the head and a spinning back kick to the ribs. He ends his UFC career with a record of 20-5-0.
With the win, Jon Jones retained the UFC Heavyweight Championship, but Miocic earned widespread respect and admiration for his contributions to the sport.
"He’s one of the greatest heavyweights ever, You can’t deny Stipe. Stipe is [No. 1 or No. 2] all time," UFC CEO Dana White added.
Legacy
Miocic, who had not fought since his March 2021 loss to Francis Ngannou, retires as a two-time heavyweight champion. He first won the belt in 2016 by defeating Fabricio Werdum and successfully defended it four times. After losing the title to Daniel Cormier in 2018, Miocic reclaimed the belt in rematches with Cormier at UFC 241 and UFC 252, before losing it again to Ngannou in 2021.
It is expected that Miocic will return to his career as a firefighter and paramedic in his hometown of Ohio.
