UFC 309: Everything You Need to Know About Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic Showdown
The much-anticipated UFC 309 is finally here, and fans around the globe are eagerly awaiting the battle between Jon “Bones” Jones and the former heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic. The two icons of the UFC will take the octagon on what will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting fight cards of the year. But that’s not all. The main event is just one piece of what UFC 309 has in store, and we’ve got you covered with all the updates, highlights, and action-packed moments you won’t want to miss.
An Epic Clash Between Two Legends
All eyes are on the heavyweight division as Jon Jones, one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history, goes head-to-head against the UFC’s former two-time heavyweight king, Stipe Miocic. This clash is a battle of legacies, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Jones, known for his nimble movement, technical superiority, and incredible fight IQ, faces off against Miocic, whose knockout power and resilience have made him a formidable force in the division.
Fans are buzzing about Jones’ return to the cage after a 3-year hiatus. Since vacating the light-heavyweight title in 2020, Jones spent time bulking up on muscle mass to make his much-awaited heavyweight debut. He’s determined to become a two-division champion, a feat only a few have ever accomplished in UFC history. But Miocic, a veteran who has cemented his legacy as one of, if not the greatest heavyweight of all time, isn’t willing to let that happen without an unforgettable fight.
Setting the Scene: Prelims and Full Fight Card Rundown
It’s not just Jones vs. Miocic that makes UFC 309 one of the best fight cards of the year. Multiple fights on this card are lighting up the excitement meters, which means you’ll want to tune in early. The prelims feature some solid matches with up-and-coming stars, so make sure you’re logged in well before the main event.
Here’s the full fight card for UFC 309:
- Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic – Heavyweight Title Fight
- Co-Main Event: Justin Gaethje vs. Dustin Poirier 2 – Lightweight Bout
- Amanda Nunes vs. Julianna Peña 3 – Women’s Bantamweight Championship
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Paulo Costa – Middleweight Bout
- Marvin Vettori vs. Robert Whittaker – Middleweight Bout
As always, fight cards are subject to change due to injuries, illnesses, or other unforeseen circumstances, but this remains one of the most stacked lineups you’ll see this year.
Jon Jones: The Quest for Dominance
Jon Jones has built an illustrious career, holding the record as the youngest champion in UFC history. His rise began as a light-heavyweight phenom, and his title reign solidified his place as arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. However, “Bones” hasn’t fought since February 2020, when UFC 247 saw him edge out a razor-close decision win over Dominick Reyes. Some thought Jones dodged a bullet in that fight, but his career wins over legends like Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Rampage Jackson are undeniable.
This fight against Miocic isn’t just a random return; it’s Jones’ chance to remind the world that he remains at the pinnacle of the sport. Jones has sprinkled his social media with teasers of his heavyweight transformation, with added muscle and endurance to carry himself in a division full of knockout artists. Will his strategy translate into success? Only time will tell.
Stipe Miocic: The Heavyweight GOAT?
Despite Jones’ hyped return, Stipe Miocic isn’t about to let anyone overlook his own legacy. Miocic, known as one of the greatest UFC heavyweights ever, boasts a career filled with top-tier opponents and remarkable victories. Not only does Miocic hold the record for the most successful title defenses in the heavyweight division, but he’s also defeated some of the toughest competitors, including back-to-back wins over Daniel Cormier in their thrilling trilogy.
Although Miocic hasn’t stepped in the ring since losing his title to Francis Ngannou in March 2021, the time away might have given him the chance to rest, strategize, and come back hungrier than ever. For Miocic, this fight isn’t just a title bout – it’s the opportunity to solidify his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. He is known for his exceptional boxing, cardio for days (a rarity in the heavyweight division), and a champion-level chin.
If he can win against Jones – a fighter many believe is the best ever – Miocic will have a very strong case for being considered the best heavyweight of all time.
Recent Events and Highlights
While the focus is obviously on the Jones vs. Miocic fight, let’s not forget about some of the thrilling moments and recent events leading up to UFC 309:
1. Chaos in the Lightweight Division: One of the co-main events is packed with electricity as the rematch between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier is set to go off. Both these fighters are known for their grit, heart, and explosive power. Their first bout, back in 2018, was a fight of the year candidate that saw Poirier pick up a TKO victory in a thrilling slugfest. Now, five years later, Gaethje is gunning to even the score.
2. The Women’s Bantamweight Showdown: Amanda Nunes and Julianna Peña will meet in their third fight. Nunes reclaimed her title in their second bout, shutting down Peña after an upset loss in their first encounter. What will Peña have up her sleeve this time to dethrone the “Lioness”? Fans have been eagerly awaiting a final showdown between these two warriors.
3. Chimaev’s Return: Khamzat Chimaev, the UFC’s new boogeyman, faces Paulo Costa in the middleweight division. Chimaev has been on a tear, finishing fight after fight typically in brutal fashion, and now he steps up against Costa, a dangerous striker. This fight pits Chimaev’s wrestling and relentless grappling against Costa’s powerful punches, making it a clash of styles we can’t wait to see unfold.
How to Watch UFC 309
If you’re ready to catch all of the action, UFC 309 is a Pay-Per-View event, meaning you’ll need to purchase it through ESPN+ or from other local providers. Here’s the breakdown of start times by region:
- Prelims start at 8:00 PM ET
- Main card kicks off at 10:00 PM ET
For those die-hard fans, the early prelims will start at 6:00 PM ET, and there’s no reason to miss out on any of the action as both ESPN+ and the UFC Fight Pass streaming services are available. Don’t forget to follow the live blog updates through CBS Sports for ongoing analysis and play-by-play results as the night’s events unfold.
Final Thoughts: What’s on the Line?
Beyond the results themselves, UFC 309 holds so much in terms of legacy. Is this the fight that solidifies Jon Jones as the true GOAT, a fighter who can dominate across multiple divisions? Or will Miocic prove once again that he’s the undefeated king of the heavyweights?
It’s the perfect narrative: Jon Jones attempting to achieve one last accomplishment in a career filled with accolades, while Miocic looks to fend off yet another challenge and stake his claim forever. Both men are legends in their own right, but only one legacy will grow stronger after UFC 309.
Make sure to grab some snacks, get comfortable, call your friends over, and tune in. This is one UFC pay-per-view that you’ll be talking about for years to come.
Originally Written by: Brent Brookhouse
