WATCH: Jon Jones secures dominant Knockout victory over Stipe Miocic with spinning back kick at UFC 309

Jon Jones reaffirmed his status as the king of the UFC heavyweight division with a stunning third-round knockout victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden. The high-stakes fight, which marked Miocic’s long-awaited return to the octagon after a two-year hiatus, ended with Jones solidifying his dominance and retaining the undisputed heavyweight title.

Round-by-Round Breakdown

The first round saw both fighters gauging each other’s range in the initial moments. Miocic, stepping into the cage for the first time since his knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021, seemed cautious. However, Jones wasted no time establishing control, taking Miocic down early and unleashing a series of elbow strikes. These brutal blows visibly shook Miocic, leaving him cut and bloodied as the round came to a close.

In the second round, the fight stayed primarily on the feet. Miocic’s corner urged him to press forward and engage more aggressively, but the former champion hesitated to follow through after landing individual strikes. Jones maintained his composure and dictated the pace, making it difficult for Miocic to gain any momentum.

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JON "BONES" JONES WORLD #UFC309pic.twitter.com/jn3QAA27Pn

— Haduucken (@Haduuuucken) November 17, 2024

Miocic entered the third round with increased urgency, showing signs of aggression in the opening moments. Yet, Jones adeptly managed to evade and counter, landing a significant right hand that further cemented his control of the bout. As the round neared its conclusion, Jones delivered a spectacular spinning kick to Miocic’s ribs, sending the challenger crashing to the canvas. The referee swiftly intervened, declaring Jones the winner via knockout.

Jones' Impeccable Legacy

With this victory, Jones extended his professional record to 28-1, showcasing why he is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. His ability to adapt and dominate opponents in the heavyweight division has solidified his legacy, especially after moving up from light heavyweight.

For Miocic, now 20-5, the loss represents a significant setback in his quest to reclaim the title he once held twice. However, after the loss, Miocic announced his retirement from UFC. He said, “I’m done. I’m hanging up my gloves. I’m retiring. Thank god.”