Miocic: Beating Jones ideal way to end UFC career
Former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic can't think of a better way to finish his legendary career than becoming the first fighter to truly defeat Jon Jones.
Miocic, 42, is scheduled to return from a 44-month layoff and challenge Jones for the heavyweight title in UFC 309's main event. The card takes place Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
"100%," Miocic told MMA Fighting's Damon Martin when asked if a win over Jones would be the perfect way to retire.
"When I do beat him, then I (can) go out. It's gonna be great."
There's been widespread speculation that the Jones-Miocic fight could end in a double retirement. Jones, 37, one of the greatest fighters of all time, has hinted that it could be his final walk to the Octagon. Miocic, meanwhile, hasn't competed since his title loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021 and waited specifically for the opportunity to fight Jones.
UFC CEO Dana White has said he believes the Jones-Miocic winner will stick around to defend the belt against interim champion Tom Aspinall.
But Miocic said he isn't making any decisions before he steps into the cage with Jones.
"I don't care about anything other than Nov. 16," Miocic said. "That's all I'm thinking about, it's all I'm worried about."
The UFC's faced criticism for booking Jones-Miocic even though Aspinall holds the interim belt and deserves a crack at the undisputed throne.
When asked about getting a title shot instead of Aspinall, Miocic said the promotion's matchmaking is not his concern.
"It wasn't my choice," Miocic said. "It's the fight I wanted, and the UFC gave it to me. They didn't have to. They gave it to me."
Miocic spoke highly of Aspinall, a 31-year-old Englishman who is 8-1 in the UFC. He emerged as one of the world's best heavyweights when he knocked out Sergei Pavlovich for the interim title in November 2023.
"He's tough, man," Miocic said of Aspinall. "He hits hard. Big boy. ... Knocks people out."