UFC 309: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: Live round-by-round updates
The highly awaited heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will headline UFC 309 later this evening (Nov. 16) at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
Jones (27-1 and 1 NC) is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Apart from a DQ loss to Matt Hamill, he is undefeated in his career.
The former light-heavyweight champion is the youngest fighter to have ever held a UFC title and holds the record for the most title defenses in the promotion's storied history.
In 2023, 'Bones' solidified his claim to the MMA GOAT status, capturing the heavyweight title with a first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. He holds wins against numerous MMA legends including Daniel Cormier, Quinton Jackson, and Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua among others.
In the other half of the event, Miocic (20-4) is among the few fighters who can match Jones' legacy. The 42-year-old is considered by many the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time, with a record six title defenses to his name.
While the former champion holds wins against fellow legends including Daniel Cormier and Junior dos Santos, he last graced the octagon during his 2021 second-round KO loss in a rematch against Francis Ngannou.
Seeing as Miocic hasn't fought in over three years, many suspect that ring rust might put him at a disadvantage against Jones.
Unsurprisingly, 'Bones' will enter the bout as a -625 favorite over Miocic, who is listed as a +445 underdog.
The main card of the event is now live. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.
Check out the final face-off between the UFC 309 headliners below:
UFC 309: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Round 1
Jones connects with a straight left and Miocic counters with a right hand. 'Bones' lands a nice inside leg kick. Miocic explodes and partially lands a right hand.
'Bones' uses a back trip to take Miocic to the ground. Vicious elbows land for the champion. A flurry of big elbows elicits a reaction from Miocic. Miocic is in trouble, Jones is teeing off on him.
Miocic ties up Jones in guard to mitigate the damage. 'Bones' now transitions to side control in an effort to lock in a kimura. He ends the round landing a few debilitating elbows, cutting Miocic under his right eye.
Our score: 10-9 Jones.
Round 2
Miocic lands a left hand, but the former champion is exercising caution after getting taken down and dominated in the first round. A body shot by Jones elicits a reaction out of Miocic.
A beautiful counter left elbow lands for 'Bones'. A body kick by Jones stuns his opponent.
Miocic's work rate has diminished. He is banking on single shots and is unable to chain up combinations. An inside low kick forces Miocic to go on the back foot, before exploding on his opponent with a flurry, missing most of the punches.
Another good round for 'Bones'.
Our score: 10-9 Jones.
Round 3
Jones starts off with a jab and Miocic comes back with a right hand. A big uppercut lands for Miocic, but Jones angles out denying his opponent opportunities to follow up.
A beautiful elbow by Jones. A right-hand hurts Miocic, forcing him to back up. Miocic's punches seem labored and slow. He is getting about boxed by the champion.
'Bones' seems to be much faster than Miocic. The former champion lands a right hand but 'Bones rolls with it to mitigate the damage. Wow!!! Jones unloads a jumping spinning back kick to the body that floors his opponent.
He then swarms Miocic with ground and pound, forcing the referee to stop the fight.
Jones is the victor.
Official Result: Jon Jones def. Stipe Miocic via TKO. (4:25 of Round 3)
Check out the fight-ending kick below: