In a clash that promises to be nothing short of electrifying, former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic is gearing up for a redemption story of epic proportions as he prepares to face Jon Jones at UFC 295. The stage is set for a battle that could redefine legacies and reshape the landscape of mixed martial arts.
Miocic, a name synonymous with resilience and determination, finds himself cast once again as the underdog in this high-stakes showdown. It’s a role he’s played throughout his illustrious career, but this time, the odds are even more daunting. After a two-year absence from the octagon and a brutal knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021, questions loom about whether Miocic can bounce back at the age of 41.
Odds makers, often seen as the prophets of combat sports, currently favor Jon Jones as a formidable 4-to-1 favorite to emerge victorious. However, Miocic remains undeterred by the prevailing disbelief.
“It took me a couple of fights, but after a while, I just stopped caring what everyone thought,” Miocic declared in a recent interview. “I just don’t care anymore. Do you think I am going to lose? Good for you. You’re going to waste a lot of money now. You’re going to bet against me, you’re going to lose some money. Sorry for that, but onto the next.”
Miocic’s preparations for this colossal battle have been nothing short of relentless. His training schedule now revolves around adding size and strength to his frame. He’s well aware of the significant size disadvantage he faced against Ngannou, weighing in at 234 pounds during their previous clash, a noticeable 30-pound gap. Miocic has learned from that experience and is determined not to be outsized again. He has meticulously focused on adding those crucial extra pounds to his build, ensuring that he is in peak condition when he enters the octagon in New York for the November showdown.
“I used to be around 240-ish, and the Daniel Cormier fights, I just kept losing weight,” Miocic explained. “I don’t know. I was eating a ton of food, I just kept losing it. So we changed some things up in my camp, and I am eating a lot more and doing the right things. I’m definitely over 240, so 245 pounds.”
Analyzing his skills against Jon Jones, Miocic acknowledges that he’s up against a fighter often hailed as the greatest of all time. Jones boasts a perfect record, with his sole loss coming via disqualification. He’s vanquished eight former champions or interim titleholders in the UFC, a testament to his undeniable prowess.
However, Miocic has never been one to shy away from a challenge or be intimidated by any opponent throughout his illustrious career, and this fight is no different.
“I feel strong, I feel good,” Miocic said. “You get some bumps and bruises along the way, but it’s training camp. Honestly, I feel great. My head’s right where I need it to be. I have a great team with me, we have a great team. At the gym and home, I am very lucky.”
“I think my speed, my angles and I think punching power will give him problems. I hit a lot harder than people think. I think I have a great IQ. I always change it up, and when something happens, I will figure a way out.”
As the fight date approaches, speculations abound that this bout could potentially mark Miocic’s retirement, regardless of the outcome. However, Miocic remains tight-lipped about such rumors. For now, his sole focus is on adding another chapter to his storied legacy by recapturing the UFC heavyweight title and defeating possibly the greatest fighter in MMA history.
“This fight means everything,” Miocic emphasized. “I think this is what it’s all about. It’s what the fans want to see. It’s a fight he wanted, a fight I wanted. Two of the best going at it, nothing gets better than that.”
