Stipe Miocic Responds To Criticism And Talks Retirement Ahead of UFC 309 Fight With Jon Jones

Photo: Stipe Miocic/Instagram 

Stipe Miocic isn’t losing sleep over the backlash he's facing for getting a fight against Jon Jones at UFC 309. Miocic has been out of the ring for over three years, and some fans think interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall deserves the spot. But Miocic says the decision wasn’t his.

“It wasn’t my choice,” Miocic told MMA Fighting. “I wanted this fight, and the UFC gave it to me. They didn’t have to.”

Aspinall has been on a winning streak, finishing all his fights in the first two rounds, which adds to the frustration for some fans. But Miocic, with a legacy as one of the best heavyweights in UFC history, believes his fight with Jones is special and will mean more to the sport.

Photo: Stipe Miocic/Instagram 

“I think a lot more people want to see me fight Jones than Aspinall,” Miocic said.

Miocic hasn’t fought since 2021 when he was knocked out by Francis Ngannou. He wanted a third match with Ngannou to settle the score, but that fight never happened. Now, with Ngannou out of the UFC, Miocic has his sights set on Jones, who has been calling for a chance to fight him for years.

At 42, Miocic is aware of the doubts. But he says he doesn’t let criticism bother him anymore. “I used to care when I was younger,” he said. “Now, I don’t care what anyone says.”

There’s also talk that this fight could be Miocic’s last. Jones has hinted he might retire after UFC 309, and some wonder if Miocic will do the same. But Miocic says he’s just focused on the task at hand. “Right now, my task is Jon. That’s all I care about,” he said.

Still, Miocic admits a victory over Jones would be a perfect end to his career. “When I do beat him, it’s going to be great,” he said. Source: MMA Fighting 


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