Jon Jones may be the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, but the UFC heavyweight champion is not a perfect fighter or person.
In addition to Jones’ history of out-of-cage issues with drug testing and breaking the law, “Bones” has been tied to multiple eye pokes inside of the Octagon throughout his storied career. It’s not something that Jones implements on purpose, but his size, reach, fighting style, and defensive reflexes put him in a difficult position throughout any fight.
Fight fans were expecting to see Jones wear UFC’s new gloves for the first time later this evening (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024) at UFC 309 LIVE on ESPN+ pay-per-view (PPV) from inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, but “Bones” didn’t like the way they felt. So instead of utilizing a safer glove that could prevent even more eye pokes from Jones the promotion reverted back to the old gloves to appease the heavyweight champion.
Seems unfair, right?
The track record surrounding Jones and his infamous eye pokes is so significant that even oddsmakers are releasing betting lines for a potential penalty at UFC 309. Check out the official betting odds below in preparation for Jones’ title fight with former UFC champion Stipe Miocic (according to Bet Online):
Will Jones Poke Miocic in The Eye?
Yes +300
No -500
Here are some additional UFC 309 prop bets as well:
What Will Happen First?
Either Fighter Eye Poke -200
Either Fighter Low Blow +150
Will Jones Fail a Drug Test Post-Fight?
Yes +1000
Jones, who has never lost a fight due to an eye poke, is looking to pad his legendary resume this weekend with a win over Miocic. While Miocic will be returning for the first time in three years he’s still one of the greatest heavyweights ever and a super dangerous opponent. It will be up to Jones to prove he’s still the best in the business and do it without eye pokes, picograms, or anything else that would hinder a victory.
MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 309 fight card right here, starting with the early ESPN+ “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. ET (simulcast on ESPNews at 8 p.m. ET), before the pay-per-view (PPV) main card start time at 10 p.m. ET (also on ESPN+).
To check out the latest and greatest UFC 309: “Jones vs. Miocic” news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archive right here. For the updated and finalized UFC 309 fight card and PPV lineup click here.