Miocic (pictured) is a former heavyweight champion. Photo: Disclosure
The fight between Jon Jones e Stipe Miocic, valid for the world heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg). and which heads the UFC 309, could be a game-changer for both athletes. While 'Bones' could further solidify himself as the greatest of all time, the former champion could pull off an unprecedented feat.
If the firefighter breaks the bank next Saturday and becomes the first to win (in fact) Jon Jones, what position would his legacy occupy among the main names in the sport?
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The fight has generated mixed reactions among the media and sports fans. While some dispute its validity due to the lack of Tom aspinall, the broad favoritism of Jon Jones in betting houses added to long inactivity Miocic, a climate of 'already won' was created, in which many fans see the fight as almost bureaucratic.
However, it is undeniable that the former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) is one of the greatest names in the history of MMA, a position achieved through several memorable feats. In almost 30 years since the formal creation of the category, no one has defended the belt more times than the North American, who won it on two occasions.
Furthermore, when looking at his record, it is possible to observe the presence of victories against great former champions, such as Fabricio Werdum, Daniel Cormier (twice), Junior Gypsy, Andrei Arlovski e Francis Ngannou. With the exception of the Cameroonian, all the others were defeated by knockout. Therefore, for many, Miocic is the greatest heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) in history, rivaled only by the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.
S. Miocic (photo) with the UFC belt. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @ufc_brasil
Faced with this question, the SUPER LUTAS team of journalists brought a series of answers to the topic.
SUPER FIGHTS Opinion
When analyzing the question, Fernando Keller takes into account not only the speculated result, but the entire context surrounding the fight, which will take place at Madison Square Garden, one of the most famous arenas in all combat sports.
"Stipe Miocic is already considered by many to be the greatest heavyweight in UFC history. An eventual victory over Jon Jones at 42 years of age, taking into account circumstances such as almost four years away from the octagon and the condition of a great 'underdog', would obliterate any debate not only within the Ultimate heavyweights, but in MMA as a whole.
However, I don't believe that one win, even over arguably the greatest of all time, is enough to put Miocic in the hall of greats in history across all categories. I don't see him as dominant or spectacular enough to be in the discussion with names like himself. Jon Jones, Georges-St Pierre, Anderson Silva and other legends of that magnitude.”
He won the heavyweight title in an unforgettable way @StipeMiocic returns Saturday night looking to become the heavyweight champion once again! #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/6kr8F2z8St
- UFC (@ufc) November 11, 2024
Second Gabriel Reis, A triumph would not be enough to bring the heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) closer to the big names in the sport, but it would significantly change the perception of the fighter.
I had never thought about Miocic's place among the greatest of all time. When I think about the argument, my mind goes to other names. But if he wins Jon Jones, I think he'll make the top 10. It would be his third time winning the heavyweight belt and his seventh victory in title fights. Furthermore, disregarding Jones' disqualification loss, the argument that he's the only one to beat the greatest in history is strong. In short: if he wins Jon Jones, Miocic will be in any top 10 of the greatest in history.
S. Miocic (right) and D. Cormier (left). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @stipemiocic
To Igor Ribeiro, Miocic's legacy would be completely transformed if he manages to accomplish the 'impossible' and become the first athlete to defeat the greatest fighter of all time.
“A victory over Jon Jones would be more than just a victory in the octagon; it would be the definitive consecration of Stipe Miocic as one of the greatest fighters of all time. He has faced and defeated other legends, but beating 'Bones' would be a step up from the pack. However, the discussion about the greatest of all time is always full of nuances. Jones' consistency and dominance in different weight classes are strong arguments. In addition, the lack of a longer reign at the top, with several consecutive defenses, may be a point to be considered.
But what if we think beyond the numbers? MMA is a sport that transcends statistics. It’s about moments, stories, and the ability to overcome limits. A Miocic victory over Jones would be one of those epic moments that define generations. If Miocic beats Jones, the debate about the greatest of all time will officially be open. After all, greatness is not measured only by numbers, but also by legacy.”
We will be testimonies of a great one! Stipe Miocic #UFC309
Sat. Nov. 16 ❌ pic.twitter.com/0wb4eG7E3u
- UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) November 11, 2024
Luís Antonio Cardoso shares a similar opinion. For him, a positive result in favor of the former champion would catapult Miocic's name to a completely different level than it is today.
“Miocic is one of the most underrated athletes in the UFC, I believe due to his uncharismatic personality. However, his victories against some of the best fighters in his category, combined with the way these triumphs happened, make him, in my opinion, the best heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg.) of all time. Add the name of the Jon Jones, especially through a knockout, would place him as one of the best in history. I don't know exactly in which position, but it wouldn't be absurd to place him close to Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, and of course, Jones himself.”
already according to Tiago Campos, The American's possible retirement could be crowned with a victory against one of the biggest names in the sport, placing him as one of the most notorious champions of all time.
"Stipe Miocic has a brilliant career in MMA and UFC. It is natural that he wants to say goodbye in style. I believe there is no more glorious way to do it than by not facing Jon Jones. If he wins, it will be the third time that the Croatian-American will regain the belt he defended so hard. Retiring as UFC heavyweight champion is the culmination of a trajectory of achievements and adversities, but beating 'Bones' will immortalize him forever in the history of world MMA.”
Keeping in mind the state of the division in relation to Tom aspinall e Alex Poatán, Velber Viana sees the possibility of victory as something even more interesting than just the position of best in history.
“I believe that beyond everything that revolves around the fight, this confrontation is a tiebreaker and in case of victory Stipe Miocic, the greatest fighter to ever grace the division is defined once and for all. And yes, I believe that Miocic will immediately be the one. He will defeat the most talked about fighter of the decade, increase his belt conquests combined with his record of defenses and enter the final sprint of his career with a lot of 'hype'. I also see a victory for Miocic as a way for the fighter to do in the octagon what he would do in his second profession: put out fires. The firefighter can oxygenate the heavyweight category (up to 120,2 kg) by removing the UFC's dependence on a possible rise of the Brazilian. Alex Poatán".
Alex Poatán e Tom aspinall / Reproduction Instagram
Conclusion
Although there is no definitive consensus among the team members, it is possible to say that everyone agrees that a triumph against Jon Jones would completely change the perception of Stipe Miocic among the best pound-for-pound fighters in MMA history. The definitive answer to this question depends solely on the outcome of the main event of the UFC 309. SUPER LUTAS will broadcast live and in real time, as a second screen, on YouTube. The complete event will be broadcast on UFC Fight Pass, Ultimate's official streaming service.
Jon Jones e Stipe Miocic will fight in the UFC 309. Photo: Montage: SUPER FIGHTS
Read More about: Heavyweight belt, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, UFC 309
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