Tag: UFC 309

Stipe Miocic targets UFC 309 title clash with Jon Jones at Madison Square Garden: ‘I want that fight’

Stipe Miocic targets UFC 309 title clash with Jon Jones at Madison Square Garden I want that fightAfter revealing a planned title fight with Jon Jones has missed a targeted July landing pad, former two-time heavyweight…

Stipe Miocic targets UFC 309 title clash with Jon Jones at Madison Square Garden I want that fight

After revealing a planned title fight with Jon Jones has missed a targeted July landing pad, former two-time heavyweight champion, Stipe Miocic has sights on a UFC 309 fight with the Rochester native in November at Madison Square Garden.

Miocic, a former two-time undisputed heavyweight champion under the banner of the promotion, has been sidelined for over three years, most recently dropping his title in a stunning second round one-punch KO loss to Francis Ngannou in the pair’s rematch.

Stipe Miocic interim title fight offer for UFC 295 would be "completely disrespectful" dana white
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

As for Jones, the former pound-for-pound number one headlined UFC 285 back in March of last year in his own hiatus-snapping comeback, submitting former interim gold holder, Ciryl Gane with a stunning first round guillotine choke submission win to claim the vacant championship. 

And confirming over the course of the weekend how he has struck a verbal agreement with the UFC to make his return in a title fight against Miocic, Jones – according to the Ohio veteran, was initially targeted to defend that crown as soon as July.

Stipe Miocic confirms plans for UFC 309 fight with Jon Jones

Revealing his plans to continue his sidelining until he stands opposite Jones, Miocic confirmed a pairing with the former light heavyweight kingpin is now in the works for UFC 309 in November – for the promotion’s annual card at Madison Square Garden.

Stipe Miocic warns Jon Jones true power at UFC 295 anything can happen
Mandatory Credit: Josh Hedges – Zuffa LLC

“That’s what I want,” Stipe Miocic told Quinton Jackson on the JAXXON Podcast. “I’m gonna wait. I don’t care, I want that fight.”

“They [the UFC] were talking about July, that passed on,” Stipe Miocic explained. “I’m thinking more – maybe November again in New York. 

Jon Anik claims he's not surprised by Jon Jones exit from UFC 295 through injury it was ambitious
Mandatory Credit: David Becker – AP

Without a victory since 2020, Miocic headlined UFC 252 in August of that year in a title trilogy rubber match against common-foe, Daniel Cormier, landing a unanimous decision win over the former duel-weight champion to successfully retain the heavyweight crown.

Who wins in a UFC 309 title fight: Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic?

Top Lightweight Contender Predicts ‘Easy Money’ For Charles Oliveira In Michael Chandler Rematch

At UFC 309 in New York, Michael Chandler will make his long awaited return to the Octagon where he’s in search of revenge. After waiting for his fight with Conor McGregor to materialize for so long, he’s happy with how things worked out even though he’s not fighting “The Mac”. Instead, “Iron” Mike has the […]

Continue Reading Top Lightweight Contender Predicts ‘Easy Money’ For Charles Oliveira In Michael Chandler Rematch at MMA News.

At UFC 309 in New York, Michael Chandler will make his long awaited return to the Octagon where he’s in search of revenge. After waiting for his fight with Conor McGregor to materialize for so long, he’s happy with how things worked out even though he’s not fighting “The Mac”.

Instead, “Iron” Mike has the opportunity to put himself right back in the title picture by beating Charles Oliveira in a rematch of their first meeting over three years ago.

After Chandler’s big win over Dan Hooker on his UFC debut, he and “Do Bronx” put on a crazy fight at UFC 262 which saw the Brazilian stop him in the second round to win the lightweight title that was left behind by Khabib Nurmagomedov in retirement.

One contender at 155-pounds that has been very critical of Chandler’s all-action fighting style is Arman Tsarukyan, who appears to be gearing up for a rematch with the champion, Islam Makhachev, early next year. He’s made it clear that he’s not the biggest fan of the former Bellator star and doesn’t respect him as a top fighter in the division.

Tsarukyan is coming off of a hard fought win over Oliveira last time out at UFC 300 to solidify his status as the number one contender in the division. When looking at the upcoming co-main event at Madison Square Garden in an interview with MMA Junkie, it’s no surprise that he’s picking his former opponent to win in convincing fashion and earn the next shot at the belt.

“Michael Chandler going to lose for sure. He’s number one easy fight for Charles Oliveira, he’s going to choke him out or knock him out. Easy money for Oliveira so so happy for him and after the fight, Oliveira is going to be the next after me so I’m going to fight with Islam and after that fight, for sure he’s going to fight for the title because he has a big name, he was the champion and the UFC loves him.” 

Continue Reading Top Lightweight Contender Predicts ‘Easy Money’ For Charles Oliveira In Michael Chandler Rematch at MMA News.

Michael Chandler Explains What Will Be Different In Charles Oliveira Rematch: ‘Chandler 2.0…’

During his long wait for the return of Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler has had a lot of time to think about how he wants to spend the remainder of his career. “Iron” Mike has delivered non-stop entertainment since arriving in the UFC back in 2021 where all but one of his Octagon appearances have seen […]

Continue Reading Michael Chandler Explains What Will Be Different In Charles Oliveira Rematch: ‘Chandler 2.0…’ at MMA News.

During his long wait for the return of Conor McGregor, Michael Chandler has had a lot of time to think about how he wants to spend the remainder of his career.

“Iron” Mike has delivered non-stop entertainment since arriving in the UFC back in 2021 where all but one of his Octagon appearances have seen him earn a performance or fight of the night bonus.

That one exception is his first encounter with Charles Oliveira at UFC 262 where the two men fought for the vacant lightweight title in the aftermath of Khabib Nurmagomedov’s retirement.

The two men are now set to run it back over five rounds at UFC 309 in New York where Chandler believes that fans will see a new version of himself that has changed over time.

Michael Chandler Explains Shift In Mindset Ahead Of Long Awaited Octagon Return

Chandler states that during the two-year break between fights whilst he was waiting to face McGregor, he fell back in love with the sport due to the separation he had from it.

In that time, the former Bellator champion underwent a change in mindset which he recently explained in an interview on Bussin’ With The Boys.

Chandler describes how his mentality when he arrived in the UFC was to make as much noise as possible, throwing caution to the wind in order to get the fans off their seats.

He certainly did that but in MMA, when you live by the sword, you die by it too and that all-action style can sometimes only get you so far.

When asked what will be different about this rematch with “Do Bronx” over three years on from their first meeting, Chandler said that he’s coming into Madison Square Garden with a refreshed outlook.

“The maturation process of who I am as an individual and fighter. For better or worse, I needed to come into the UFC and stake my claim and prove myself, right, and now I have proven myself. So, Chandler 1.0 was come into the UFC, prove the doubters wrong that this Bellator dude can’t come in and compete with the best guys in the world, obviously I have done that.

“Win, lose or draw, it’s a great fight. Win, lose or draw, I’ve hurt everybody that I’ve fought. Win, lose or draw, I’m getting fight of the night. Win, lose or draw, you’re on the edge of your seat when Michael Chandler steps inside the Octagon right? And now, Chandler 2.0 is okay, I had an opportunity to step back, fall back in love with the sport and now I truly believe now more than ever that it’s time for me to go win the title so fighting Oliveira puts me in that position.”

Read also: Former UFC Champion Explains Path To McGregor vs. Chandler Fight Despite Oliveira Booking

Continue Reading Michael Chandler Explains What Will Be Different In Charles Oliveira Rematch: ‘Chandler 2.0…’ at MMA News.

Report: Carlos Prates’ Return In The Works For UFC 309 On Nov. 16

Surging UFC welterweight prospect Carlos Prates looks set to have the chance to make a splash on yet another big stage next month. Prates (20-6) has put the 170-pound division on notice in three fights since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. The Fighting Nerds standout announced his arrival with knockouts […]

Continue Reading Report: Carlos Prates’ Return In The Works For UFC 309 On Nov. 16 at MMA News.

Surging UFC welterweight prospect Carlos Prates looks set to have the chance to make a splash on yet another big stage next month.

Prates (20-6) has put the 170-pound division on notice in three fights since earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series last year. The Fighting Nerds standout announced his arrival with knockouts of Trevin Giles and Charles Radtke.

“The Nightmare” delivered most impressive performance to date last time out at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, where he put a beating on formerly ranked contender Li Jingliang en route to a brutal KO.

It appears that Prates will have the opportunity to keep his ball rolling at an even bigger pay-per-view event in a few weeks’ time, with Ag. Fight reporting that he’s verbally agreed to share the cage with Randy Brown (19-5) at UFC 309 on November 16.

The numbered event is set to take place inside the prestigious surroundings of Madison Square Garden in New York City. Headlining will be a long-planned heavyweight showdown between champion Jon Jones and legend Stipe Miocic.

While Prates looks to make a statement on the undercard, his veteran opponent will have an upset in mind. “Rude Boy” has won three straight since being submitted by Jack Della Maddalena, most recently outpointing Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos at UFC 302 this past June.

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

  • Jon Jones (C) vs. Stipe Miocic (heavyweight championship main event)
  • Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler (lightweight co-main event)
  • Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig (middleweight)
  • Nikita Krylov vs. Azamat Murzakanov (light heavyweight)
  • Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders (middleweight)
  • Carlos Prates vs. Randy Brown (welterweight)
  • Viviane Araújo vs. Karine Silva (women’s flyweight)
  • Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee (bantamweight)
  • Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (welterweight)
  • Karine Silva vs. Viviane Araújo (women’s flyweight)
  • Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura (women’s flyweight)

Continue Reading Report: Carlos Prates’ Return In The Works For UFC 309 On Nov. 16 at MMA News.

Jon Jones’ Coach On Retirement Rumors: MMA Doesn’t Treat Aging Fighters Kindly

There has been a lot of talk over whether UFC 309 will be the last time that Jon Jones competes inside the Octagon. The heavyweight champion recently said himself that this is looking “more than likely” now that his title defence is official for November 16 in New York. Many expected that his initially planned […]

Continue Reading Jon Jones’ Coach On Retirement Rumors: MMA Doesn’t Treat Aging Fighters Kindly at MMA News.

There has been a lot of talk over whether UFC 309 will be the last time that Jon Jones competes inside the Octagon.

The heavyweight champion recently said himself that this is looking “more than likely” now that his title defence is official for November 16 in New York.

Many expected that his initially planned fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 last year would be his last dance but this was pushed back by a year by Jones’ injury.

Now, as they enter what may be his final training camp, Jones’ long-time coach Brandon Gibson gave his thoughts on whether this is the curtain call for “Bones”.

Brandon Gibson Says He Believes That UFC 309 Will Be Jon Jones’ Last Fight

In a recent interview with From The Stands, Gibson was asked whether he believes, as a close friend of Jones’ for many years, that this truly is it.

There has been a lot of criticism from the fans regarding the fight with Stipe Miocic with Jones regularly responding to the idea that he should be fighting interim champion Tom Aspinall instead, or at least sticking around to fight him after UFC 309.

Gibson said that in his opinion, he thinks the champion will walk away but that isn’t a reflection on where his current skill level is at.

The coach believes that Jones could continue to stay at the top of the sport for years to come but in the interest of leaving on his own terms, we could see the consensus greatest of all time leave his gloves inside the Octagon inside Madison Square Garden.

“I do [think it’s his last fight]. This is a dangerous game. It’s a dangerous game and it’s not one that treats an aging fighter kindly. I always encourage all my fighters to be out before, to be able to pick their exit and Jon, more than any other fighter I believe, has earned and deserves to be able to pick and choose when he leaves. I think he has plenty more in the tank, I see his skill set every week against high-level opponents, I think right now he’s better than he’s ever been, oh my goodness. He’s really developed into an amazing heavyweight… I think he can continue to fight the very best for a long time to come but he’s also deserved to exit if he chooses to do so.”

Read also: ‘Selfish’ UFC Told To Financially Compensate Michael Chandler For Conor McGregor Wait

Continue Reading Jon Jones’ Coach On Retirement Rumors: MMA Doesn’t Treat Aging Fighters Kindly at MMA News.

Conor McGregor Reveals Preferred Opponent For UFC Return After Chandler vs. Oliveira Booking

After last weekend’s announcement of Michael Chandler competing later this year in a fight that does not involve him, many are now left questioning what is next for Conor McGregor in the UFC. UFC CEO Dana White announced last weekend that Chandler will not be facing McGregor next. Instead, “Iron” will face former lightweight champion […]

Continue Reading Conor McGregor Reveals Preferred Opponent For UFC Return After Chandler vs. Oliveira Booking at MMA News.

After last weekend’s announcement of Michael Chandler competing later this year in a fight that does not involve him, many are now left questioning what is next for Conor McGregor in the UFC.

UFC CEO Dana White announced last weekend that Chandler will not be facing McGregor next. Instead, “Iron” will face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira in a five-round co-main event at UFC 309 on Nov. 16.

White added at the time that they were looking at some point in 2025 for McGregor’s next fight, reiterating comments he made a month earlier following the Dana White’s Contender Series season premiere that McGregor will not compete in 2024.

In the immediate aftermath, McGregor expressed confusion about his placement in the UFC following the booking of Oliveira vs. Chandler 2. A week later, however, the former UFC two-division champion has seemed to have changed his tone.

In an interview with Ariel Helwani during the DAZN broadcast of Anthony Joshua vs. Daniel Dubois on Saturday night, McGregor claimed he’s unbothered by waiting until 2025.

Conor McGregor Still Wants Michael Chandler, Says It Is A ‘Must’ To Fight Out UFC Contract

“It will be 2025,” McGregor said. “It is what it is. I just take it on board and just rock on. And my job is just to be in the gym, be in the gym, be in shape. One thing is for sure: whenever it is, and wherever it is, I will be 100 percent ready. That’s all I can focus on right now.”

McGregor added that it is a “must” to compete twice in 2025. McGregor has two fights remaining on his current UFC contract but said he was unsure what happens when he becomes a free agent.

White, last week, stated that McGregor vs. Chandler is not completely shut down and could still happen after Chandler fights Oliveira.

When asked about who he wants across the cage from him in his return, McGregor, while uncertain, claimed plans are still unchanged in his mind. He wants to finish his business with Chandler.

“Man, who knows now?” McGregor said. “It does not matter. I’d like it to be Chandler; I’d like that to be squared away. I wish him well against Oliveira, but let’s see how it goes.”

McGregor has not been seen in the UFC since breaking his leg in a loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 264.

Chandler and Oliveira, meanwhile, previously fought in the main event of UFC 262 in 2021, facing each other for the then-vacant UFC lightweight championship. “Do Bronx” scored the win via second-round TKO.

Continue Reading Conor McGregor Reveals Preferred Opponent For UFC Return After Chandler vs. Oliveira Booking at MMA News.