While UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones was the fighter coming off a three-year layoff this past March at UFC 285, he’ll be preparing for such a returning opponent later this year.
Jon Jones, a former two-time light heavyweight titleholder, captured the vacant belt in the higher weight class by decimating Ciryl Gane inside one round. The victory marked a successful re-emergence following a lengthy period on the sidelines.
Soon after, “Bones” seemingly had his next opponent lined up, with both the champ, UFC President Dana White, and ex-divisional kingpin Stipe Miocic appearing to agree on a July showdown.
When that didn’t come to fruition, some doubted Miocic’s desire to return and predicted a contest between Jones and top contender Sergei Pavlovich instead. But just last week, the long-awaited matchup between Jones and the heavyweight GOAT contender was confirmed.
Stipe Miocic Previews Return Fight, Plans To Show He ‘Deserves’ To Be Champ
Jon Jones will put his gold on the line against Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 295, slated for November 11 at Madison Square Garden. For the challenger, the bout marks his first since a brutal title-losing knockout at the hands of Francis Ngannou in March 2021.
Despite that defeat and his subsequent layoff, Stipe Miocic vowed to prove that he ‘deserves’ the heavyweight crown later this year during an interview with Megan Olivi for ESPN MMA.
“November 11, I’ve been waiting for this day. It’s the fight I want, it’s the fight he wants, there’s nothing better,” Miocic said. “I’m ready. I’m really excited. I can’t wait for November 11, I hope it gets here faster.
“I think that it’s just the two styles (that makes the matchup) exciting. Styles make matchups, and I think we have two great styles to make electricity, a lot of fireworks. I think it’s going to be an absolutely amazing fight,” Miocic continued. “I’m gonna come out on top and show a lot of people that I deserve to be the heavyweight champ.”
Should Stipe Miocic make good on those words come fight night in New York City, he’ll further cement his legacy by becoming the first three-time champion in UFC heavyweight history.