Stipe Miocic sweats it out in training for impending Jon Jones grudge match for UFC's 265-pound title [VIDEO]
Stipe Miocic has not entered the octagon since suffering a second-round knockout loss to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 all the way back in March 2021, losing the heavyweight title in the bout. Miocic appeared set to return at UFC 295 last November when he was booked to challenge Jon Jones for the heavyweight title.
Just over two weeks ahead of the bout, however, 'Bones' was forced to withdraw after tearing the tendon that connects the pectoral muscle to the bone. Miocic was also removed from the card as the promotion shared that they planned to have him fight for the title when the heavyweight champion recovered.
While the bout has not been officially announced, both fighters have teased that they will clash at UFC 309, which is expected to take place at Madison Square Garden in November. Amidst suggestions that he may be too old to seriously contend, the No.6-ranked heavyweight recently shared footage of himself training for the bout to Instagram, captioning the post:
"Weekend work."
Check out Stipe Miocic's training footage below:
Miocic will look to join Randy Couture as the only fighter to have three separate reigns as champion in the same division. The two-time heavyweight champion and Jones, who is widely considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time, have both teased that it could be the last bout of their career.
Jon Jones reveals plan to face Stipe Miocic next has not changed
The upcoming heavyweight title bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic has faced online criticizm with many claiming the latter is undeserving of the opportunity. 'Bones' recently revealed that the plan for his next bout has not been changed, tweeting:
"I’m in the middle of a pretty clear decision… stick to exact and original plans, and fight the man with all the accolades. Or, completely disregard all of the Stipe training I’ve put in and fight another potential hype train that may not even be around in three years. I am not changing my plans for anyone. Stipe is over there as the best heavyweight ever working his ass off. I’m gonna give that man what he wants, and I’m going to claim another head. Whatever comes next comes next."
Check out Jon Jones' tweet on facing Stipe Miocic next below:
While Tom Aspinall has attempted to talk his way into receiving the next title opportunity, neither Jones nor Miocic have entertained the idea. Both fighters, as well as UFC President Dana White, have been clear that the title bout will continue as planned since 'Bones' was forced to withdraw from UFC 295 last November.