Two stalwarts of UFC Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are likely to face each other in the upcoming UFC 295 later this year. The big Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic heavyweight title matchup scheduled for November’s UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden has been announced by UFC president Dana White. Notably, Jones vs. Miocic had been discussed for UFC 290 during International Fight Week in July, but for some reason that didn’t work out.
The organisation is now hopeful that the two legendary heavyweights will square off in New York for their significant yearly MSG event. White confirmed those plans with Sports Illustrated over UFC 288 weekend. “Jon Jones, next, you know I’m pretty confident that Jon wants Stipe,” White said.
“He looks at Stipe as people look at him as the greatest heavyweight of all time. And I think that’s what Jon wants. He wants to beat him convincingly. I mean, he’s already the G.O.A.T., but to go down as the greatest of all time. And it’ll be very hard to break his record if he does do it”, White further added. Asked if UFC 295 in New York City was the date to make it, White said yes. “Yeah, that’s what we’re targeting,” he said. “That’s what we’re thinking. [It’s] Likely.”
The contract is yet to be signed
The ‘Likely’ denotes that contracts have not yet been verbally agreed upon, and it begs the question of what has been stalling the fight thus far. Notably, Jones renegotiated his contract before going back to fight Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 back in March. On the other hand, since his defeat to Francis Ngannou in 2021, Miocic hasn’t competed.
However, Miocic has held the heavyweight belt twice and is the only fighter to successfully defend it three times in a row.
After an unmatched run punctuated by extended absences brought on by personal troubles, including drug suspensions, being disqualified after a hit-and-run, and most recently contractual issues, Jones has the title of greatest light heavyweight locked up.
