Legacy Secured!

The time has arrived (finally).

Jon Jones — the legendary former Light Heavyweight champion — faces off against Stipe Miocic — the formidable two-time former Heavyweight kingpin — in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event of UFC 309, which takes place tonight (Sat., Nov. 16, 2024) inside Madison Square Garden in New York City.

And it’s for all the marbles.

Jones’ Heavyweight transition has been met with excitement and skepticism. While his dominant submission victory over Ciryl Gane showcased his skill and adaptability (watch it), questions remain about his ability to withstand the increased power and physicality of the division. Miocic, on the other hand, is a proven force in the Heavyweight ranks, but his recent inactivity raises concerns about his ability to recapture his former glory.

As these two titans collide, the mixed martial arts (MMA) world will witness a battle of wills, a clash of styles and a test of endurance. Will Jones continue his reign of dominance and ride off into the sunset or will Miocic reclaim his throne?

Only one way to find out!

Live updates will begin to flow below the moment the two fighters make their way to the Octagon …

Miocic, the challenger, was the first to make the legacy-defining walk:

Then it was time for “Bones” to saunter to the cage, all smiles:

Round one:

The two respectful (former) champions shook hands in the center of the cage as the referee in charge of the action, Herb Dean, got them going. Jones started the action early, but was a little sloppy on his first entry and Miocic countered with a shot that grazed “Bones.” Miocic kept his foot on the gas, punching after a retreating Jones, who fired back with a hard kick to the gut. Jones was able to secure a thundering back trip takedown and he was like a dog on a bone with ground-and-pound from half-guard. Jones reigned down massive, crunching elbows on Miocic’s massive melon. He tried to squirm out from underneath, but Jones readjusted and continued his assault. Jones slid over to side control and really started to pour on the pressure. Miocic, still on his back, tried to create space with his knee, but Jones would not be denied. The elbows from Jones continued to find a home, but not as frequent — Miocic was able to make it out of the round, un-cut, which seems like a minor miracle.

Round two:

Miocic emerged from his corner with a small mouse under his right eye, but that’s not too bad considering he spent four minutes under Jones and survived to see another. Jones got the action started with a sharp jab, with Miocic countering with a decent shot of his own. Miocic started to plow forward again with punches in bunches, but it was plodding and telegraphed. Jones responded with a series of front kicks, which appeared to really bother the former champion. Low kick from Miocic, with Jones countering in-kind. Jones was able quickly close the distance, get Miocic in a Muay Thai clinch, unloading a massive knee to the gut. Nice high kick from Jones landed along the cage with one minute left on the clock as Miocic was unable to put together anything crisp. It was another lopsided round in favor of Jones.

Round three:

Jones kicked off round three with another solid jab, prompting Miocic to charge after him again Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robot-style. Jones stepped to the side, but Miocic was able to partially land a beautiful uppercut on the break — his best punch of the fight. Big overhand right from Jones moments later visibly hurt Miocic, who covered up and retreated along the fence to clear the cob webs. Jones continued to spam the front kick to keep Miocic at distance, while Miocic continued to look slow. He landed a nice hard right hand, but Jones was unbothered. Jones uncorked a sidekick along the cage as Miocic took a brief breather, standing in perfect range for Jones’ dynamic attacks. Nice left hand, then a few rights, but Jones was just too much. Then, as Miocic took another quick break along the cage, Jones winded up with a spinning back kick to the ribs that folded Miocic immediately. Jones fired off two more unnecessary shots before Dean was forced to intervene.

Now what?

Final result: Jones def. Miocic via technical knockout (spinning back kick) in round three

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Remember that 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.