Jon Jones, the renowned mixed martial artist and current heavyweight champion, has recently disclosed his intentions to take some time for personal reflection following his title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in New York. After what is anticipated to be a pivotal fight on Saturday, Jones acknowledges the potential for a major showdown against the interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall. Conversations surrounding this prospective clash are heating up, especially if Jones successfully retains his title.
UFC president Dana White has speculated that Jones may opt for a break after his fight with Miocic, which Jones seems to agree with to an extent. In a statement regarding his future, Jones mentioned, “I don’t think Dana is wrong; after this fight I can see myself taking a step back and just watching the landscape.” This indicates that Jones is open to reassessing not just his career, but also the overarching dynamics of the heavyweight division.
Throughout his career, which has been marked by both accolades and controversies, Jones has established himself as a significant name in the sports world. He expressed pride in what he has accomplished, noting, “I have crafted a really amazing career; it’s an entertainment business and I think I do it pretty well.” He further emphasized that the art of combat is fundamentally rooted in timing, a principle he believes is crucial to his success as an athlete in the MMA landscape. “Combat is timing. I understand that better than most fans,” Jones clarified, highlighting his intent to maintain independence in decision-making regarding his career trajectory.
This forthcoming fight against Miocic has taken on a more personal tone, especially after Jones accused Miocic of making inappropriate remarks about his family. Despite this tension, Jones has displayed a willingness to forgive, stating, “I felt like forgiveness was the right thing to do.” He articulated his disappointment over Miocic’s comments but ultimately chose to prioritize a path of forgiveness as a reflection of his own principles. “It’s just the right thing to do, what I represent, and I thought it would be a good time to practice it,” he added, demonstrating his commitment to personal values even in the competitive realm of the UFC.
Stipe Miocic, in response, has brushed off the accusation of making derogatory comments about Jones’ children. He emphasized his respect for Jones, stating, “I have nothing but respect for the man; he thinks I said something about his kids, which I would never do.” Miocic has asserted that his intent has never been to involve family in the competition, framing the encounter between the two fighters as one of pure competition: “We’re going to fight each other and may the best man win.”
As UFC 309 approaches, fans are eager for the clash between Jones and Miocic, as well as the implications it may have for the future of the heavyweight division. For those interested in watching the event, details have been provided on how to access it. UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic will be available exclusively on TNT Sports Box Office at a price of £19.99 for viewers in the UK. Additionally, it can be streamed via platforms such as discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV, and Sky Sports. Notably, susceptibility to pay-per-view events does not require a subscription to TNT Sports.
For viewers opting for discovery+, they can purchase and stream the event through the app, available on a variety of devices such as smart TVs, computers, or mobile devices. EE TV customers can tune in via a specific channel, while Prime Video users can find details either on the homepage or the sports page without needing a subscription. Virgin Media TV customers have clear instructions tailored to their set-top boxes for accessing live events, ensuring that fans can catch all the action from UFC 309.
