Stipe Miocic Focuses Solely on Jon Jones Showdown Amidst Heavyweight Division Logjam
Stipe Miocic has one goal in mind: to fight Jon Jones. However, it’s ultimately up to the UFC to decide if this matchup will happen. As he eagerly awaits his return to action, the 41-year-old former UFC heavyweight champion emphasizes that he’s not the cause of the standstill at the top of the division.
The current logjam stems from Tom Aspinall winning the interim heavyweight title after Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle, cancelling his scheduled matchup against Miocic back in 2023. The UFC remains committed to a Jones vs. Miocic showdown while Aspinall prepares to defend his interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in June
Miocic understands Aspinall’s frustration about not unifying the titles in his next fight but stresses that these decisions are out of his hands.
“I get it,” Miocic told CBS Sports. “I’d feel the same way, but I’m not taking anything away from him. The UFC can do what they want. It is what it is. There’s only one guy I want to fight, it’s Jon Jones. But at the same time, the UFC can pick who they want. People don’t know this but there were a couple of other times where I was ready to fight and they gave them another guy. What am I supposed to do?
“I’m not holding up any division like everyone says. I don’t care. Do what you want and stop crying. I’m not saying he’s crying, I’m just saying like fans and stuff like that.”
Miocic last fought in March 2021, suffering a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in their rematch for the UFC heavyweight title. Initially aiming to settle his trilogy with Ngannou, Miocic’s plans shifted when Ngannou left the UFC for PFL. Miocic then turned his attention to Jones, considered by many as the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
Despite the time away from the octagon, Miocic remains confident in his ability to defeat Jones.
“Everyone thinks he’s going to beat my ass,” Miocic said of Jones. “I don’t like being told that. I like shutting people up. He’s beatable. I know he is. Anyone is beatable and I will be the first to do this.”
Miocic believes his fighting style poses a significant challenge to Jones.
“Styles make matchups,” Miocic said. “I think I have a style that doesn’t match well with his style. If the shoe’s on the other foot, it could be me as well. He does a lot of good things. He’s good with his distance, his leg kicks, and on the ground. I’m good at making it a fight. I’m technical, but I can also make it into the brawl and make him feel uncomfortable as does he.
“I think it depends on who does what they like. Unfortunately, I don’t like being told what to do, so I’m going to do what I want to.”
While no official offers or bout agreements have been issued, sources indicate that Jones vs. Miocic is being targeted for November when UFC returns to Madison Square Garden in New York. Jones has also hinted at this date on social media.
If this timeline holds, Miocic will return to the octagon just shy of four years since his last fight. Nonetheless, he remains confident in his readiness and competitiveness.
“I am very competitive and will never lose it,” Miocic said. “It’s in my DNA. I love what I do and have the best coaches in the world that will have me ready whenever the fight comes up.”
Discover more from FightBook MMA
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.