It seems like the challenger, Stipe Miocic, is all confident ahead of his title fight against Jon Jones at UFC 309. ‘Stone Cold’ has had a truly incredible career having won the heavyweight title twice, and defending it three consecutive times. Even though he had been missing since his UFC 260 KO loss to Francis Ngannou, one cannot truly count him out. Rest assured, the former champ seems to be doing everything he can to win on November 17th. But what if he has to pull out of the fight? One can’t count this possibility out, especially after Jon Jones pulled out of their scheduled UFC 295 bout due to a torn pectoral tendon. To give more clarity to fans awaiting the bout, Stipe Miocic himself dropped an update on his health in a recent interview.
Speaking to MMAFightingonSBN, Miocic talked about how he’s feeling heading into the fight against the mighty Jon Jones. The long break might have left some ring rust that may show on fight day. However, ‘Stone Cold’ clarified that he feels much better now more than ever since he took the break. He said, “It’s been great… in a way, good in a way, because, you know, my son, you know, he’s growing up, and I think [about] giving my body rest, you know, even though I’m training. So, I… I can take a day off. I don’t have to worry about [thoughts] like, ‘Oh yeah, I trained; I’m all beat up. Let’s just do something different today.”
Miocic continued, “It’s been great, you know? You know, when you’re older than 42, you listen to your body more. It’s great, and uh… been great, been… been a blessing.” He further added that since taking the break, he has improved several aspects of his skillset that might prove lethal against Jones – “There’s no question. I know I have been – I’m faster, I’m stronger; you know I have more in my tools, sharpening them on my mark. So you know I’ll be ready; there’s no question.”
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The Croatian-American MMA fighter seems composed and ready for his fight against ‘Bones.’ However, his peers in the UFC believe that it is going to be an easy fight for Jon Jones. But who are the peers, and why do they believe Stipe Miocic will taste defeat at Madison Square Garden?
Stipe Miocic enters as the underdog at UFC 309
One of the biggest doubters that Stipe Miocic has is Tom Aspinall. The English fighter wondered, in an interview, how Stipe Miocic got a title opportunity ahead of him, that too after three years away from the sport. Showing a lack of confidence in Miocic’s present skills, Aspinall shared the belief that the UFC should’ve taken Stipe out of the fight considering that he is 42 years old and has been out of action for three years, after his knockout loss.
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He further added that he acknowledges Miocic’s legendary status in the sport, and statistically – he is the greatest heavyweight of all time. However, Aspinall feels it is time for him to retire. The interim heavyweight champ has even compared Miocic to the current President of the United States, Joe Biden, equating the politician’s old age and apparent weariness with the American fighter.
Derrick Lewis is another who believes Miocic will be on the losing side at the end of the night. Ahead of his fight against Jhonata Diniz at UFC Fight Night 246, Lewis revealed that he believes Jon Jones would stop Miocic early – “I think Jones will beat him in the first round.” It definitely looks like Miocic has a lot to prove to his detractors. But what do you think? Will he be able to pull it off? Let us know in the comments.
“I’m All Beat Up” – Stipe Miocic Makes Important Health Update Before Jon Jones UFC 309 Fight
