Tag: Jon Jones

Derrick Lewis Calls It: Jon Jones Will Finish Stipe Miocic in First Round at UFC 309

UFC 309 Derrick Lewis on Jon Jones vs. Stipe MiocicHeavyweight knockout machine “The Black Beast” Derrick Lewis has offered his pick for the UFC heavyweight championship showdown between…

UFC 309 Derrick Lewis on Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Heavyweight knockout machine “The Black Beast” Derrick Lewis has offered his pick for the UFC heavyweight championship showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. The title tilt will place as the headlining fight of UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 17.

Derrick Lewis on Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

The US-born Derrick Lewis is a veteran of the UFC’s heavyweight division having a whopping 29 bouts in this organization since making his debut in 2014. This weekend, he faces Jhonata Diniz at UFC Fight Night: Moreno vs. Albazi.

‘Bones‘ Jon Jones was the long-reigning UFC light heavyweight champion racking up some incredible wins and remaining unbeaten as a titleholder. He defeated several notable fighters such as Rashad Evans, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Daniel Cormier, and Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, among many more.

Jon Jones

Eventually, Jon Jones would vacate his light heavyweight strap and make a move to heavyweight. He captured the vacant title with a quick submission against Ciryl Gane in early 2023. Now, he is set to face the former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.

Stone Cold” Stipe Miocic set the record for most consecutive title defenses in UFC Heavyweight division history during his reign and has wins over fighters such as Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, and Daniel Cormier, among others. Miocic has not been active since 2021.

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 27: Stipe Miocic prepares to fight Francis Ngannou during the UFC 260 event at UFC APEX on March 27, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

On squaring up the UFC 309 main event Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, Derrick Lewis said:

“I think Jones will beat him in the first round. It’s crazy to see a lot of people just disrespect Jones like that, like he ain’t the GOAT, for real. A lot of people keep throwing around these GOAT terms and this and that, Jones has been doing this for so many years at the top of the level against all these opponents, like top-ranked guys.

“Even though he have been having all this trouble outside the UFC, it’s like people outside the UFC don’t know, it’s 80% mental and 20% physical. If you don’t have the mentality going into these fights, you aren’t going to do well. For him to be going through all that stuff he been going through, and still beaten these guys like this, it says a lot.” [Ht BJPenn]

Chuck Liddell Talks Dream Showdown Beating Jon Jones: ‘He couldn’t take me down’

Chuck Liddell vs Jon JonesFormer UFC light heavyweight champion ‘The Iceman’ Chuck Liddell would have loved to have a matchup against the all-time…

Chuck Liddell vs Jon Jones

Former UFC light heavyweight champion ‘The Iceman’ Chuck Liddell would have loved to have a matchup against the all-time great ‘Bones’ Jon Jones in the octagon.

Chuck Liddell vs. Jon Jones

The US-born Chuck Liddell was a striker in the UFC who was feared for his impressive punching power. Throughout his MMA career, he was able to capture the light heavyweight world championship and defend it in four bouts. He is a UFC Hall of Fame athlete due to his influence in coaching The Ultimate Fighter season 1 putting MMA into the mainstream. Additionally, he had blockbuster matchups against Tito Ortiz, Randy Couture, and Quinton ‘Rampage‘ Jackson.

All-time great Jon ‘Bones’ Jones was able to capture the light heavyweight crown in 2011 and rack up a highly impressive 11 defenses of this title. Along the way, he defeated notable athletes such as Rashad Evans, Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Daniel Cormier, Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Lyoto Machida, and Glover Teixeira, among others.

Jon Jones

‘The Iceman‘ said that one of his biggest career regrets is not getting the matchup booked against Jon Jones. There was some overlap with Jones making his UFC debut in 2008 and Liddell fought in the UFC until 2010. However, ‘The Iceman’ was aging out by this point having earned a 0-3 in the UFC post 2008.

Chuck Liddell

Regardless, Chuck Liddell still wanted the showdown and believed he would have given ‘Bones’ some problems. Speaking on the JAXXON PODCAST, Liddell explained:

“That’s why I always said I would’ve been a bad matchup for [Jones] cause I’m probably one of the few guys where he would have a hard time dictating where I fought him. You know, I would’ve fought him. He would’ve had to fight me standing up, he couldn’t outwrestle me. He couldn’t take me down…He wouldn’t have been able to take me down. He would’ve had to strike with me.”

Mauricio Ruffy Gets New Opponent For UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic Prelim

Highly touted lightweight prospect Mauricio Ruffy has a new foe to prepare for weeks out from the UFC 309 pay-per-view in New York City. After earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year, Ruffy announced himself as one of the most promising up-and-comers at 155 pounds when he debuted in style this past […]

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Highly touted lightweight prospect Mauricio Ruffy has a new foe to prepare for weeks out from the UFC 309 pay-per-view in New York City.

After earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year, Ruffy announced himself as one of the most promising up-and-comers at 155 pounds when he debuted in style this past May.

At UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, “One Shot” unloaded his arsenal on Jamie Mullarkey before utilizing a flying knee to set up a first-round knockout. The result left the Fighting Nerds standout riding a streak of five consecutive finishes with strikes.

Ruffy will look to keep his ball rolling at next month’s UFC 309 event, but not at the expense of the man he was originally lined up to face.

The Brazilian was added to the card in a matchup against Charlie Campbell, who has won both of his UFC fights to date. The American, however, was forced to withdraw, marking the latest issue in booking Ruffy’s return. He’d previously had plans for outings at UFC 303 and UFC 307 fall through.

Thankfully, the promotion has been able to secure a replacement opponent for the 28-year-old.

Mauricio Ruffy
UFC 309’s Mauricio Ruffy (Image: Alexandre Loureiro/UFC/Zuffa LLC)

Following the collapse of the Campbell matchup, Ruffy is now set to share the cage with James Llontop at UFC 309. The short-notice lightweight bout was first reported by Te La Canté MMA and later confirmed by Eurosport Nederland’s Marcel Dorff.

Peru’s Llontop has lost both of his UFC fights since a victory on DWCS in 2023, most recently falling on the wrong side of a split decision verdict opposite Viacheslav Borshchev in August.

With this addition, the current fights expected to take place at UFC 309 on Nov. 16 are as follows:

Main Card:

  • Light Heavyweight Championship Main Event: Jon Jones (C) vs. Stipe Miocic
  • Lightweight Co-Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
  • Women’s Flyweight: Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva
  • Middleweight: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
  • Middleweight: Eryk Anders vs. Chris Weidman

Preliminary Card:

  • Lightweight: Mauricio Ruffy vs. James llontop
  • Light Heavyweight: Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov
  • Bantamweight: Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
  • Lightweight: Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson

Early Preliminary Card: 

  • Welterweight: Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
  • Welterweight: Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott
  • Women’s Flyweight: Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura

Continue Reading Mauricio Ruffy Gets New Opponent For UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic Prelim at MMA News.

Jon Jones Must Complete Anger Management To Have Charges For Drug Test Altercation Dismissed

Jon Jones may find reprieve from his misdemeanor charges related to a drug test altercation if he complies with the court’s latest directives. According to a recent report by MMA Junkie’s Nolan King, a bench trial on Tuesday in Albuquerque, New Mexico led to an agreement between the defense and prosecutors to dismiss charges against […]

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Jon Jones may find reprieve from his misdemeanor charges related to a drug test altercation if he complies with the court’s latest directives.

According to a recent report by MMA Junkie’s Nolan King, a bench trial on Tuesday in Albuquerque, New Mexico led to an agreement between the defense and prosecutors to dismiss charges against “Bones,” stemming from an alleged hostile incident during a drug test at his New Mexico residence.

The court has mandated that the charges of assault, a petty misdemeanor, and interference with communication, a misdemeanor, will be dismissed, provided the reigning UFC heavyweight champion completes his anger management classes and remains law-abiding for the next 90 days.

Jones faced two misdemeanor counts arising from a random drug test conducted in July. The charges were prompted by a police report filed by Crystal Martinez, an agent with Drug Free Sport International, who accused the UFC superstar of seizing her mobile phone and issuing threats against her.

During that encounter, “Bones” informed the police that he had apologized for using foul language toward the woman and her colleague at the conclusion of the drug test. He also released footage on social media from what appeared to be a home surveillance system, capturing the moment the testing agent gave him a high-five before departing.

Jones has not competed in the Octagon since his first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. He is poised to make his inaugural title defense against Stipe Miocic in the highly anticipated main event of UFC 309, scheduled for November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Following the court’s ruling, the former UFC light heavyweight champion took to X to release a statement praising the efficiency of the legal process that cleared him of the charges.

“I would like to extend my thanks to the justice system for reaching a prompt resolution in this matter, which affirms my innocence and enables me to maintain my focus on the upcoming fight,” Jones tweeted. “I am eagerly anticipating the opportunity to defend my heavyweight title on November 16th at Madison Square Garden.”

Continue Reading Jon Jones Must Complete Anger Management To Have Charges For Drug Test Altercation Dismissed at MMA News.

‘They’re Scared Of How Dana Will React’ – Fans React As Topuria Stays Below Jones On P4P List Despite UFC 308 KO

The UFC’s pound-for-pound list continues to be a major talking point amongst fight fans following this past weekend’s big event in Abu Dhabi. In the main event, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria retained the title and kept his undefeated record intact when he stopped Max Holloway. Topuria’s current run has been one of the most impressive […]

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The UFC’s pound-for-pound list continues to be a major talking point amongst fight fans following this past weekend’s big event in Abu Dhabi. In the main event, featherweight champion Ilia Topuria retained the title and kept his undefeated record intact when he stopped Max Holloway.

Topuria’s current run has been one of the most impressive in recent years with dominant performances on his way up the ladder being capped off with knockout victories over two of the greatest champions in UFC history in Holloway and Alexander Volkanovski.

Many believe that this win puts him at the forefront to win fighter of the year but to some people’s surprise, it hasn’t seen him move on the pound-for-pound list even though he became the first man to knockout another member of the top 15 rankings.

“El Matador” remains in possession of the #4-ranking, sitting him behind Jon Jones, Alex Pereira and Islam Makhachev as the current Mount Rushmore of greatness in the UFC. Jones’ position on the list in particular has been heavily debated throughout the year.

Though Dana White has passionately made the case for why Jones deserves the top spot because he’s the greatest to ever do it, many make the case for why Makhachev and Pereira are deservedly higher due to their recent activity and strength of schedule.

MMA fans reacted on social media to the latest rankings update that saw Jones remain in his position.

“They’re scared of how Dana will react if he overtakes jones”

“The fact Jon Jones has only beat ONE PERSON this decade and it was for a VACANT title… Dricus should be higher than him

“Ilia should be 2 and has a case for 1. They just protect their cash cows”

“Ilia is definitely P4P number 2, no disrespect to AP.”

“Ilia KOd the 2 best fighters in his division almost flatlined them while Jon just submitted a striker in his division years ago”

“Ilia Topuria should be 3. Since Alex Pereira has become champ in two weight classes in two years that gives him the edge for me when it comes to a P4P list. There’s no reason Jon Jones is in front, though.”

“The 3 guys have to lose for him to move up”

Continue Reading ‘They’re Scared Of How Dana Will React’ – Fans React As Topuria Stays Below Jones On P4P List Despite UFC 308 KO at MMA News.

What’s Next After UFC 308? Full Confirmed UFC 309 Main Card For MSG On Nov. 16

UFC 308 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering, UFC 309 in New York City. The promotion was in Abu Dhabi last week, where the Etihad Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest major card in the Middle East. Of […]

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UFC 308 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering, UFC 309 in New York City.

The promotion was in Abu Dhabi last week, where the Etihad Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for its latest major card in the Middle East. Of note were headline wins for Ilia Topuria and Khamzat Chimaev, as well as important victories for Magomed Ankalaev, Lerone Murphy, and Shara Magomedov.

While the aftermath of the October 26 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the featherweight title picture to the heavyweight championship conversation.

At UFC 309, set for the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16, reigning kingpin Jon Jones will compete for the first time this year in defense of his gold. Following a submission of Ciryl Gane to capture the crown, “Bones” will finally face the challenge of returning legend Stipe Miocic 20 months later.

Stakes will also be high in the co-headliner, as former lightweight champ Charles Oliveira looks to bounce back from his UFC 300 loss. To insert himself back into the title picture at 155 pounds, “Do Bronx” must get the better of the always entertaining Michael Chandler for the second time.

Nickal, Weidman, Silva Set The Stage For High-Profile Headliners At UFC 309

Before Jones defends his belt and Oliveira runs it back with Chandler, a number of other notable names will take to the Octagon looking to make the most of their position on the major UFC 309 card.

That includes fast-rising flyweight Karine Silva, who gets her toughest assignment to date opposite longtime contender Viviane Araújo. Having won all four of her UFC fights and risen to #11 on the ladder following a submission of Maryna Moroz and decision victory over Ariane Lipski, “Killer” will look to break into title contention at the expense of Araújo, who lost to Natália Silva last time out.

Prior to that, the undefeated Bo Nickal gets his latest test. As he looks to build his skills up outside the rankings, the wrestling specialist will meet a submission artist who has previously held numbers next to his name at both 185 and 205 pounds in Scotland’s Paul Craig.

And opening the UFC 309 main card will be a former champion as veteran Chris Weidman looks to secure his first win streak since he moved to 13-0 with a successful title defense against Vitor Belfort back in 2015. Following on from a controversial victory over Bruno Silva, the 40-year-old will make the walk inside MSG to do battle with ex-American football linebacker Eryk Anders.

Those pairings have gotten the nod to feature on the main card over the light heavyweight clash between #6-ranked contender Nikita Krylov and the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov, which is currently slated to top the preliminary portion of the event.

See below for the full UFC 309 card, as it stands.

Main Card:

  • Light Heavyweight Championship Main Event: Jon Jones (C) vs. Stipe Miocic
  • Lightweight Co-Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
  • Women’s Flyweight: Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva
  • Middleweight: Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
  • Middleweight: Eryk Anders vs. Chris Weidman

Preliminary Card:

  • Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov
  • Bantamweight: Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
  • Lightweight: Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson

Early Preliminary Card:

  • Welterweight: Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
  • Welterweight: Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott
  • Women’s Flyweight: Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
UFC 309's Nikita Krylov
Image: UFC.com

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