Dana White Standing by Stipe Miocic Is Right Call for UFC 309

By Tim Burke November 05, 2024 14:30

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UFC 309 is two weeks away and it features the biggest heavyweight fight in promotional history between two MMA legends Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Recently, Miocic made headlines during an interview with MMA Fighting, stating, "I believe people want to see that fight (Jones vs. Miocic). I think a lot more people want to see that fight than the bout between (Jones) and Aspinall."

UFC fans worldwide have called for the UFC to book Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall following Aspinall's impressive interim title defense at UFC 304 in July. Unfortunately, Miocic has become an afterthought in discussions about the heavyweight title picture.

The 42-year-old Miocic has not fought since March 2021, when Francis Ngannou knocked him out at UFC 260. Since then, many MMA fans have forgotten Stipe Miocic's greatness. The American heavyweight boasts a record of 20-4, with two title reigns, four title defenses, and victories over notable fighters like Francis Ngannou and Daniel Cormier.

It is unfortunate that he has become overlooked in a division where he is widely regarded as the greatest fighter to ever step into the octagon. Tom Aspinall has rapidly risen to prominence, leading to an increased demand for a shot at the undisputed heavyweight title over the past year. With Jones currently holding the title, fans have shifted their focus to a potential matchup between Aspinall and Jones. Aspinall's momentum and recent performances have overshadowed Miocic's return to the UFC. His long absence from the UFC has not helped. Three and a half years away from the octagon has led people to doubt that Miocic will be competitive. This has led to a potential Jones vs Aspinall to be much more marketable than UFC 309's main event.

Nonetheless, Dana White and the UFC have committed to Stipe Miocic vs Jon Jones. Miocic's legacy as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history has carried weight in the eyes of Dana White and Hunter Campbell. The greatest heavyweight against the greatest pound-for-pound fighter is a legacy match the UFC could not ignore. The fans should not be, either.

Tom Aspinall is great. Tom Aspinall deserves to fight for the undisputed title, but Dana White did the right thing by showing loyalty to Stipe Miocic, who deserves to fight for the title and for his legacy in what could be his last fight.

"When I do beat him, it's going to be great. One hundred percent [that would be a great exclamation point on the career]," Miocic told MMA Fighting. As a +470 underdog, the world clearly forgot how good Stipe Miocic is. This is weight class; he is also fighting an older injured Jon Jones. This is a 50-50 fight.

Stipe Miocic's legacy as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history remains significant despite being overshadowed by the rise of Tom Aspinall and the focus on a potential matchup with Jon Jones. The UFC's commitment to booking Miocic against Jones underscores the importance of honoring his contributions to the sport, particularly as he approaches his final opportunity to solidify his legacy. Dana White did the right thing by sticking by Miocic.