Stipe Miocic, the seasoned UFC veteran, is gearing up for what could be one of the most defining moments of his career as he faces off against Jon Jones at UFC 295. Miocic has been no stranger to the underdog status throughout his career, but the circumstances surrounding this impending title fight make it distinct.
For one, Miocic hasn’t set foot in the Octagon for over two years since his last fight, which ended in a devastating loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021. Moreover, the former UFC heavyweight champion recently celebrated his 41st birthday, and the passage of time has historically proven to be the great equalizer in combat sports.
Despite these formidable odds, Miocic remains unfazed by the skepticism surrounding his chances against Jones, who currently holds a 4-to-1 favoritism among bookmakers.
In a recent interview Miocic stated, “It took me a couple of fights, but after a while, I just stopped caring what everyone thought. I just don’t care anymore. You think I’m 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.”
In preparation for the Jones fight, Miocic has modified his training regimen by focusing on adding extra size to his frame. His last weigh-in against Ngannou saw him at just 234 pounds, giving up nearly 30 pounds to his opponent. Miocic is determined not to repeat that disadvantage, and he’s currently weighing in at a solid 245 pounds.
Miocic acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge posed by Jones, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. Jones boasts an impeccable record, with his only loss coming via disqualification, and he has defeated eight former UFC champions or interim titleholders.
Nevertheless, Miocic has never been one to be intimidated by his opponents. He firmly believes in his strengths, stating, “I feel strong, I feel good. 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’ll figure a way out.”
As the fight approaches, there has been speculation about whether Miocic might consider retirement, regardless of the outcome. However, he remains focused on the task at hand: reclaiming the UFC heavyweight title and potentially defeating one of the sport’s all-time greats.
“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.”
