UFC 285 is just a couple of days behind us and the MMA community is already buzzing about Jones’ first heavyweight title defense. Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, who recently captured gold in his heavyweight debut against the number 1 contender Ciryl Gane, has already set his eyes upon the current heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic.
During his post-fight Octagon interview, when asked about the possibility of fighting Miocic during International Fight Week, Jon asked the crowd –
“Y’all wanna see me beat up Stipe?”
“Stipe Miocic, I hope you’re training, my guy. You’re the greatest heavyweight of all time, and that’s what I want. I want you, real bad.”, He added.
Stipe confirmed the matchup earlier when he did a sit-down interview with the former two-division champion Daniel Cormier. Stipe claimed that he was guaranteed the winner of this fight to face him in July. “They [UFC brass] said International Fight Week.” Even the UFC president Dana White confirmed that this is the fight to make, during his post-fight presser. “I don’t know when, but he [Jones] is definitely fighting Stipe.”
UFC 290: Official date, venue, and fan reactions
UFC 290 takes place during the UFC International Fight Week in Las Vegas. The event is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena on July 8, 2023. Held annually, International Fight Week allows fans to experience the sport on a closer level. It hosts the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and UFC X, a two-day fan experience.
This isn’t the first time a Jon Jones fight is booked for International Fight Week. Back in 2016, he was supposed to share the Octagon against his long-time rival Daniel Cormier for their rematch. The bout, however, would go on to get canceled as Jones tested positive for two separate estrogen blockers in his system.
Jones is gonna beat Stipe and retire before any of the new contenders come for him.
— Neo Stone (@MMADude420) March 6, 2023
I like Stipe, but Jones will beat him.
— Brandon Lee (@Brandon_N420) March 5, 2023
I’m thinking stipe has zero chance. He’ll be 30 pounds lighter with less skill
— Retired Navy Squid (@BevaliasLove) March 5, 2023
It’s weird knowing Jones has the strength advantage and stipe the speed advantage
— TheWarehouse27 (@TheWarehouse27) March 5, 2023
With UFC 285 right behind us, fans are already in heavy discussion of who could be the potential winner of this fan-favorite matchup. While Jones is known for his wrestling expertise, Stipe has one of the best strikings on the entire roster. It will be interesting to see how the fight unfolds.
Should Jon Jones officially retire if he secures a victory over the current heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic? or does he need a few more title defenses to furthermore prove his greatness? Let us know in the comments.
