Jon Jones is still the UFC heavyweight champion after sending former title holder Stipe Miocic into retirement.
The UFC 309 main event pitted two legends of MMA in the center of Madison Square Garden in New York for what promised to be a firework-producing title fight. At 4:29 of Round 3, Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) found the shot he needed to put Miocic (20-5 MMA, 14-5 UFC) down and out.
The fight started with a methodical pace after a quick glove touch. As he typically does, Jones took control of the center of the cage and dictated the pace. After a few moments, Jones closed in and hit a beautiful trip takedown, where the fight would stay for the remainder of the round.
While on the canvas, Miocic was on the receiving end of multiple vicious ground-and-pound elbows. Staying calm through the fire, Miocic somehow survived to see the next round.
The crowd continued to show their support for Miocic with chants, but the former champ struggled to get going. Jones patiently stalked forward as he mixed up offense to the body and head, including a couple of stiff kicks to the midsection.
For a little added flair, Jones threw in a spinning back kick to the body toward the end of Round 2, foreshadowing what was to come.
Listening to the advice of his corner, Miocic came out with combinations to start Round 3. Jones got on his bike to evade and reset, causing frustration for Miocic.
Jones’ speed advantage continued to shine as he connected with flush punches that rocked Miocic and sent him retreating. Jones followed to capitalize, but Miocic stayed in the fight.
However, it was just a matter of time until Jones landed with another devastating shot, and it came in the form of another spinning back kick to the body that folded Miocic to the canvas. Jones rushed in to land follow up shots for the stoppage.
The celebration for Jones was on, including the signature arm pump dance of U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, who was watching closely cageside.
During his post-fight interview Jones, 37, said has decided to continue fighting. He acknowledged there are options on the table, but wants to speak with UFC brass to see whether Tom Aspinall or Alex Pereira will be next.
The former champion who still holds the record for heavyweight title defenses kept things short and sweet on the microphone as he told Joe Rogan it was time to walk away from the sport.
Full UFC 309 results include:
Jon Jones def. Stipe Miocic via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 4:29
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