Jon Jones: Stipe Miocic an 'extremely important fight for both of our legacies'
For Jon Jones, facing Stipe Miocic might be the biggest fight of his career.
Newly crowned UFC heavyweight champion Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) is expected to make his first title defense against former two-time champ Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) next.
Jones needed just over two minutes to submit Ciryl Gane and capture the vacant heavyweight belt at UFC 285. When asked about Miocic’s age and his current form, Jones said he sees him as a much tougher test than Gane (via Twitter):
“In my head he’s better than he’s ever been. He’s definitely a lot more Experienced and well-rounded then Gane. This is an extremely important fight for both of our legacies, I must treat it as such.”
In my head he’s better than he’s ever been. He’s definitely a lot more Experienced and well-rounded then Gane. This is an extremely important fight for both of our legacies, I must treat it as such. https://t.co/RqlXq16osw
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2023
In Miocic, Jones will be facing the consensus greatest heavyweight of all time, who holds the record for most title defenses in the division’s history at three. Jones’ past few opponents didn’t boast the accolades that Miocic does, which is why “Bones” sees it as a very meaningful fight for his legacy.
“There has never been a fight that means more to me than beating Stipe Miocic. I don’t think I’ve ever fought a GOAT and people consider him the greatest heavyweight of all time. None of my past champions that I’ve beat were considered GOATs, so this GOAT vs. GOAT (matchup) means the world to me.”
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2023
The current targeted date for Jones vs. Miocic is July during International Fight Week, but the fight hasn’t been confirmed yet, and Jones intends to mull it over (via Twitter):
“More than likely, felt like that was kind of sprung on me. Need to talk with my team/UFC and come up with a plan.”
More than likely, felt like that was kind of sprung on me. Need to talk with my team/UFC and come up with a plan. https://t.co/BgRhTBYjNg
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 10, 2023