How lengthy has it been since Stipe Miocic final competed within the octagon? It’s been so lengthy that the previous UFC heavyweight champion’s resume doesn’t embody a struggle – but alone a win – in opposition to a at the moment energetic UFC fighter.
And but, regardless of being out of motion for just a little greater than three-and-a-half years, Miocic is stepping proper again right into a title shot Saturday at UFC 309 (ESPN+ pay-per-view), the place he’ll problem champ Jon Jones within the night time’s headliner from Madison Sq. Backyard in New York.
Miocic’s lengthy layoff and his age little question are large explanation why Jones is a 6-to-1 betting favourite. Miocic, who was born on August 19, 1982, is 42 years outdated.
Miocic’s UFC title run
Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) holds the UFC report for many consecutive heavyweight title defenses at three, a streak that happened from September 2016 to January 2018 with wins over Alistair Overeem, Junior Dos Santos and Francis Ngannou.
After that run, Miocic fought Daniel Cormier thrice in a row between July 2018 and August 2020, first shedding the belt to Cormier earlier than reclaiming it and profitable the following two bouts to shut their trilogy.
The final time Miocic competed within the octagon was on March 27, 2021, when he was viciously knocked out in a rematch with Ngannou to lose his title at UFC 260.
All these years later, Miocic has an opportunity to reclaim it in opposition to Jones – this time just a bit bit older.
Jones vs. Miocic preview video
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