Jon Jones triumphs in return, TKO’s Stipe Miocic at UFC 309

NEW YORK – Jon Jones looked outstanding as ever on Saturday, knocking out Stipe Miocic with a spinning back kick in the third round of their heavyweight championship fight at UFC 309 inside Madison Square Garden.

And now, with that matter settled, the fighting world will eagerly await its heavyweight title collection.

Jones (28-1) dominated Miocic (20-5) en route to a TKO victory at 4:29 of the third round. The matchup was scheduled to take place in November 2023, but Jones pulled out with a torn pectoral muscle.

Up until Saturday, much of the pre-fight talk revolved around whether Jones would face interim champion Tom Aspinall if he won. After defeating Miocic, Jones made it clear that he is open to the challenge.

“I’ve decided, maybe I don’t want to retire,” Jones said, adding that he will have talks with UFC CEO Dana White and Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. “We’re negotiating. If all goes well, we might give you what you want to see.”

Miocic, 42, who opted to wait a full year for Jones’ return, announced his retirement from the Octagon. The former two-time champion had not fought since 2021 before facing Jones on Saturday.