After almost a year, Jon Jones, the current heavyweight champion, will take on the former two-time champion Stipe Miocic in UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden on 16 November 2024. The match between the greatest is long-awaited, which has given rise to the excitement surrounding the event.
The two had previously scheduled for a fight at UFC 295 in November 2023, but Jon Jones withdrew after he suffered a torn muscle while training. Before that, Jones won against Ciryl Gane in March 2023 at UFC 285, but Miocic has not fought after getting knocked out by Francis Ngannou in March 2021 at UFC 260.
Continue reading to know more about the predictions and analysis of UFC 309 and how you can bet on the fight at UFC betting sites.
The Fighters’ Backgrounds and Recent Performances
- Jon Jones’ Legacy and Recent Return
Jon Jones is the youngest UFC champion with the most title wins under the light heavyweight category, defenses, and the longest winning streaks in the history of sports. His loss started to come in in 2009 with the controversial disqualification on the illegal elbow while fighting against Matt Hamilton.
Although Jones is known as the greatest fighter in UFC history, he has had a fair share of controversies, which stripped him of his title three times.
In 2015, he was charged for a hit-and-run case, and in 2016 and 2017, he tested positive for many banned substances. Taking a break from sports for three years, from 2020 to 2023, he returned with his victory over Gane.
Although he has evolved as a fighter, Jones is still considered one of the best fighters known for his strong front, roundhouse kicks and his ability to get strong on the ground. His fight against Miocic will be the first, but might be the last time the two of them come together before the new-gen fighters come in.
- Stipe Miocic’s Impressive Career and Challenges
Miocic, the 42-year old champion has spent the last 20 years building an excellent resume and ranks top among the most popular and the best fighters in the history of UFC. He holds many records for the longest title defense streak and most wins in heavyweight title fights.
However, Miocic has not fought recently, and UFC 309 will be his first fight since 2001 and fourth fight since 2019.
The most notable and biggest fight of his career was the 2019 match when he won against Daniel Cormier with the fourth round TKO. The duo fought again in 2020 where Miocic won again through unanimous decision. Jon Jones is not the only one who is making a comeback after his injury, Miocic is also climbing a bigger mountain after his layoff for three years.
Key Factors in the Fight and Our Predictions
- Jones’ Tactical Advantages
Jon Jones has many tactical advantages, including his ground game, powerful kicks, and his ability to adapt during fights. His long frame gives him a comparative advantage over other fighters with different range weapons like push kicks, oblique kicks, and jabs.
Moreover, he is known for adaptability, learning new moves, and changing his pace, and gaming planned throughout a match within a period of days or weeks.
After his injury, his fans are wondering if it will hinder his ability to perform at the highest level against Miocic. Recalling his last fight, the injury was quite graphic, which caused him a fracture while stuffing at takedown at UFC 159. But his resilience post injury is what gives fans the ray of hope as well as leaving them anxious until both fighters enter the Octagon.
- Miocic’s Strategy and Challenges
Stipe Miocic is known for his wrestling skills and powerful striking. He is considered one of the best boxers with excellent combinations, footwork, and fast hands. His grappling skills have always played a major role in his career along with his technique and endurance. However, given his advanced age, and his three year layoff, UFC betting sites think that it will negatively affect Miocic’s performance, making him an underdog at +440 while Jones a favorite at -600 on the money line.
