Tag: UFC 309

Daniel Cormier Certain Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic Will Avoid Facing Backup Fighter Tom Apsinall at UFC 309

Daniel Cormier Certain Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic Will Avoid Facing Backup Fighter Tom Apsinall at UFC 309Tom Aspinall may officially be the backup for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, but Daniel Cormier can’t see either…

Daniel Cormier Certain Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic Will Avoid Facing Backup Fighter Tom Apsinall at UFC 309

Tom Aspinall may officially be the backup for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, but Daniel Cormier can’t see either one of them actually fighting the interim UFC heavyweight champion in NYC.

18 months removed from his title-winning performance against Ciryl Gane to claim the undisputed heavyweight crown, ‘Bones’ is scheduled to defend his belt against the greatest fighter the division has ever seen on Saturday, November 16 inside Madison Square Garden.

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Jones vs. Miocic was originally scheduled to go down last November, but a pectoral injury forced Jones out of the bout. That paved the way for Tom Aspinall to step in and take home the interim heavyweight title via a stunning first-round knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295.

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Since then, Aspinall has been angling hard for a fight with Jones. Instead, he’ll have to settle for a backup role at UFC 309, but even if one of the two headliners is unable to make the walk come fight night, Cormier isn’t convinced that either one of them would actually agree to fight Aspinall on short notice.

“Guess what Chael [Sonnen]? Now you have the opportunity to be let down,” Cormier said on a recent episode of Good Guy/Bad Guy with co-host Chael Sonnen. “Step into my shoes for once… If one of those dudes [Jones or Miocic] gets hurt, neither one of them is fighting Tom Aspinall. You’re out of your mind. No way! When Jon Jones got hurt the first time [at UFC 295] Sergei Pavlovich was the backup fighter who fought. If somebody gets hurt, get ready for Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane. Mark my words, there you go” (h/t Sportskeeda).

Cormier thinks it’s a matter of ‘risk vs. reward’ for Jon jones and stipe miocic

Cormier doesn’t necessarily think it would be a matter of Jones or Miocic being scared of Tom Aspinall. Instead, he thinks it comes down to a case of “risk vs. reward” for the two combat sports icons who are in the twilight of their respective careers.

“It’s not even about being scared. It’s not even, it’s about risk management Chael,” Cormier continued. “Whoever, if someone gets hurt in this fight, the reward versus the risk of fighting Tom Aspinall is so great, I don’t believe that either of them will do it. Love that it’s a part of the story now. We all love the story, we love a great story but I don’t know that plays.

“I don’t think he’s scared Chael. But again, it’s risk vs. reward. Jon Jones, I will tell you this right now, Jon Jones. To his credit, a win over Tom Aspinall does nothing more for Jon Jones than a win over me or Vitor Belfort or Rashad Evans or Shogun Rua or Alexander Gustaffson and all these list of great fighters that he’s already beat.” Cormier added, “But losing to Tom Aspinall, losing to Tom Aspinall does do something because now you see him lose. He’s never lost. That matters to him now.”

Daniel Cormier: Jon Jones & Stipe Miocic Haven’t Agreed To Tom Aspinall Back-Up Role

Following the official announcement for Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, Tom Aspinall was confirmed to be the back-up. Many have been campaiging for the interim champion to get the next shot at Jones’s heavyweight title, rather than the rescheduled clash with Miocic. Dana White said himself in a […]

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Following the official announcement for Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, Tom Aspinall was confirmed to be the back-up.

Many have been campaiging for the interim champion to get the next shot at Jones’s heavyweight title, rather than the rescheduled clash with Miocic.

Dana White said himself in a recent press conference that Aspinall is next for whatever happens in this division and will therefore, be in New York ready to make weight if required.

However, this then opens up the question of whether Jones or Miocic would even contemplate fighting Aspinall on short notice, if either man does pull out before November 16.

Daniel Cormier Calls Chael Sonnen ‘Gullible’ For Thinking That Jones & Miocic Agreed To Fight Aspinall

In a recent episode of ESPN MMA’s Good Guy / Bad Guy, Chael Sonnen asked Daniel Cormier whether he could confirm that Aspinall being the back-up means that Jones and Miocic had to sign off on it.

Cormier’s response was to laugh at Sonnen for even suggesting that this would be a possibility, labelling him as “gullible”.

“No, it does not mean that. What it means is now we have another opportunity for disappointment. See that’s the difference between living, hey, that’s the difference between growing up in a mansion and growing up in the ghetto. In the ghetto, you learn to expect disappointment. You learn to be let down, that is just the way it is. So guess what Chael, now you have an opportunity to be let down so step into my shoes once. If one of those dudes get hurt, neither one of them is fighting Tom Aspinall. You’re out of your mind, no way.”

To illustrate his point, Cormier pointed to UFC 295 last year where Jones did pull out of the fight but there was a back-up fighter on hand.

Despite Sergei Pavlovich being ready to take his place, Miocic chose to wait for “Bones”, instead which led to the creation of the interim title which was won by Aspinall.

Cormier finished his statement by making a bold prediction of what will actually happen if either man withdraws.

“When Jon Jones got hurt the first time, Sergei Pavlovich was the back-up fighter, who fought? Who fought? If somebody gets hurt, get ready for Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane, mark my words.”

Read also: Former Champ Skeptical Of Michael Chandler Beating ‘Meaningful Favorite’ Charles Oliveira At UFC 309

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Daniel Cormier On Jon Jones’ Likely Retirement: ‘There Is Work Left To Be Done’ 

Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier recently reacted to Jon Jones’ clearest retirement statement to date. Jones is set to make his first defense of the heavyweight title at UFC 309 this coming November, 20 months on from his crowning at the expense of Ciryl Gane in March 2023. The long wait was caused by […]

Continue Reading Daniel Cormier On Jon Jones’ Likely Retirement: ‘There Is Work Left To Be Done’  at MMA News.

Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier recently reacted to Jon Jones’ clearest retirement statement to date.

Jones is set to make his first defense of the heavyweight title at UFC 309 this coming November, 20 months on from his crowning at the expense of Ciryl Gane in March 2023. The long wait was caused by an injury to the champ, which previously forced him out of a planned showdown with Stipe Miocic.

In the time since their canceled title clash last November, the division has seen an interim titleholder crowned in Tom Aspinall, who has even notched a successful defense in 2024 by getting the better of Curtis Blaydes.

While that’s left many calling for Jones to unify the title against the Brit, both he and the UFC have long remained firm on rebooking the Miocic matchup. “Bones” has been the subject of criticism for that, with plenty suggesting he’ll likely retire following the Nov. 16 event and avoid facing Aspinall.

The chances of that increased a few days ago when Jones told Clocked N’ Loaded that Miocic will more than likely mark his final opponent.

Cormier Pushes Back On Jones Retirement Before Facing Aspinall

During a recent episode of his Funky and the Champ YouTube show alongside Ben Askren, Cormier reacted to Jones’ latest remarks while in Las Vegas for UFC 306 this past weekend.

“DC” acknowledged that there isn’t much left at heavyweight that’s worth Jones prolonging his career for. But what there is, however, is an interim champ in Aspinall, and his presence is enough for Cormier to see Jones’ potential retirement as leaving incomplete work behind.

“This is the fight that you want in Madison Square Garden, 1,000 percent,” Cormier said. “(But) hearing Jones say — or hearing the rumor that Jones said, ‘This is it for me,’ it sucks because I do believe that there is some work left to be done, with Aspinall mainly. I don’t think anyone else right now warrants him sticking around. We saw what he did to Ciryl Gane.

“The guy’s obviously doing well, probably just doesn’t want to fight anymore. So what happens, right? You walk away,” Cormier continued. “I believe that when push comes to shove, they might nudge him if he gets through Stipe. They nudge you, they nudge you, they nudge you, and then you end up getting more money and then you ultimately fight.”

It remains to be seen whether or not Jones will follow through with his frequent hints at retirement come fight night at MSG.

But with Tom Aspinall set to be in New York City as the backup fighter, it stands to reason that “Bones” will have a vocal interim counterpart in attendance as he announces his decision.

Continue Reading Daniel Cormier On Jon Jones’ Likely Retirement: ‘There Is Work Left To Be Done’  at MMA News.

Conor McGregor’s UFC comeback still goes through Michael Chandler, says former contender: ‘It has to happen’

Conor McGregor's UFC comeback still goes through Michael Chandler, says former contender: 'It has to happen'Despite booking his return from a two-year hiatus from fighting before the end of the year in a rematch…

Conor McGregor's UFC comeback still goes through Michael Chandler, says former contender: 'It has to happen'

Despite booking his return from a two-year hiatus from fighting before the end of the year in a rematch against former undisputed lightweight kingpin, Charles Oliveira, UFC star, Michael Chandler “has” to welcome arch-rival, Conor McGregor back to the Octagon according to the High Ridge veteran.

Chandler, who still holds the number six rank in the official lightweight ranks, booked his two-year hiatus-snapping return to action over the course of last weekend, slated to co-headline UFC 309 in a five round rematch against Sao Paulo finishing ace, Oliveira.

Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler
Image via: Getty

Sidelined since a 2022 submission loss to former interim lightweight titleholder, Dustin Poirier, Chandler was set to headline UFC 303 earlier this summer during International Fight Week against McGregor, until a fractured toe ruled the Dubliner from a welterweight return to action.

Michael Chandler determined to face-off with Conor McGregor in his return to the UFC

And despite booking a different bout as he continues to wait for a date to meet the former two-division, Chandler himself insists he will still be waiting for McGregor’s eventual return to action — and wants to face off with him still.

Michael Chandler reveals dream fights: Max Holloway, Justin Gaethje if Conor McGregor clash is off

“I’m still going to be thinking about Conor McGregor,” Michael Chandler told assembled media during Noche UFC. “As I asserted at the very beginning, Conor McGregor’s still not off the hook.”

Conor McGregor’s road back to the UFC still goes through Nashville, Tennessee and Michael Chandler,” He continued. “We must finish TUF 31. It has to happen. We’re at the same weight class. It was too long of a build-up for it not to happen.”

Dana White reveals Michael Chandler was 'Done waiting' for fight with Conor McGregor amid UFC 309 clash

Facing off with the above-mentioned Oliveira in his sophomore Octagon appearance back in 2021, Chandler would suffer a second round KO loss to the Sao Paulo finisher in the early goings of the round, with the former rallying to win the vacant lightweight championship.

Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira agreed to take place in training: ‘We talked’

Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira agreed to take place in training: 'We talked'A long-mooted meeting of current Octagon gold holders Jon Jones and Alex Pereira is slated amid major fan-anticipation —…

Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira agreed to take place in training: 'We talked'

A long-mooted meeting of current Octagon gold holders Jon Jones and Alex Pereira is slated amid major fan-anticipation — albeit in the training room, with the latter confirming plans to share the mats with the former ahead of his return to action at UFC 309 in November at Madison Square Garden.

Jones, a current heavyweight champion and former two-time undisputed light heavyweight gold holder, finally booked his hiatus-snapping return to action at the end of the year at UFC 309 — with the promotion confirming his Madison Square Garden clash against the returning Stipe Miocic during last weekend’s Noche UFC broadcast.

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As for former two-division titleholder, Pereira is set to headline the next flagship event for the organization — booking a UFC 307 main event fight with surging knockout artist, Khalil Rountree in Salt Lake City, Utah just weeks away.

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Alex Pereira expects to train with Jon Jones ahead of UFC 309

And long-linked with a title fight at the heavyweight limit against Rochester veteran, Jones in a bid to become the first three-weight champion in Octagon antiquity, Pereira revealed plans to at least train with the former ahead of his November return in his native New York.

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It was awesome to meet him (Jon Jones), he’s a very nice guy,” Alex Pereira told TNT Sports during his appearance at the Las Vegas Sphere. “We talked, we talked about training together. People talk about me fighting Jon Jones, going up to the heavyweight division, but I don’t know if maybe he has just one fight left. So for me to worry about my weight class is something that’s maybe too much. Right now, maybe we’re going to start training together.”

We’ve been talking a little bit about training together for a long time, but I think it’s going to happen,” Alex Pereira told Full Send MMA. “His fight’s going to be in November. Every time you leave a fight it takes a week or two to recover from small injuries. But I think I’ll have enough time to go over there.”

“Today I saw him more fit than we last saw him, he looks really good and I want to grab his experience,” Alex Pereira explained. “People talk about us fighting, but people talk about him fighting one time, one or twice more. I don’t know if I’ll be able to share the cage with him, but I want to get the experience of training with him.”

Jon Jones: Stipe Miocic Fight At UFC 309 Is ‘Gonna Be The Last Time’

Jon Jones’ return to the Octagon was confirmed this past weekend after the UFC announced more details for UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden. It has been clear for a long time now that “Bones” would be defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic after their fight at UFC 295 was postponed due to a […]

Continue Reading Jon Jones: Stipe Miocic Fight At UFC 309 Is ‘Gonna Be The Last Time’ at MMA News.

Jon Jones’ return to the Octagon was confirmed this past weekend after the UFC announced more details for UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.

It has been clear for a long time now that “Bones” would be defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic after their fight at UFC 295 was postponed due to a long-term injury.

They are once again booked to headline MSG in November and though this match-up taking place on this card has been known but not made official, there is one other big question hanging over this fight.

Many expected that at UFC 295 last year, there was a strong possibility that both Jones and Miocic would retire after meeting each other inside the Octagon for the first time.

Despite Dana White’s wishes, that still looks to be on the cards.

Jon Jones Says That UFC 309 Will Be ‘More Than Likely’ His Last Dance

There has been a lot of debate about Jones returning to defend his heavyweight title against Miocic.

Most of this has revolved around interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who believes that he should be getting the opportunity to unify the belts later this year.

Jones has made it pretty clear that this fight against the surging Brit isn’t a priority for him and he doubled down on that in a recent interview.

As the consensus greatest of all time was leaving the Sphere after being in attendance at UFC 306 this past weekend, he was stopped and asked about how he’s feeling before returning from another long lay-off.

The heavyweight champ told Clocked N’ Loaded that he’s raring to go.

“I feel great, yeah, I feel really, really good. I’m about 250 pounds, lean and strong.”

Jones was also asked whether he thinks that this will be the final fight of what will potentially end as a 30-fight career following his first heavyweight title defense.

Though the writing has been on the wall regarding the status of his career after UFC 309, he personally confirmed that this is looking like his last ride.

“This is gonna be the last time. Gonna be the last time. More than likely.”

Read also: ‘That Was A Fluke Too’ – Former UFC Champ Questions O’Malley’s Win Over Sterling After UFC 306

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