Stipe Miocic Makes Final Call On Future After Fight vs. Jon Jones

Miocic, who hadn’t fought since 2021, waited over a year for this opportunity after Jones delayed the bout due to injury.

The now-retired heavyweight leaves as the division’s most decorated champion. He's also widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history.

Miocic became a two-time UFC Heavyweight Champion and holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in the division's history.

Among his best moments is the trilogy with Daniel Cormier, which spanned from 2018 (when he lost) to 2020 (winning also in 2019), where Miocic reclaimed and defended the title, solidifying his legacy as one of the top-tier fighters in UFC history. 

In March 2021, Miocic lost the belt to Francis Ngannou in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 260 after they first met in 2018, when Miocic successfully defended the title.

Meanwhile, Jones, 37, also addressed his future in the sport, leaving the door open for a potential matchup with interim champion Tom Aspinall, as the reigning champ has seemingly decided to delay his retirement.

“I’ve decided, maybe I will not retire,” Jones said. “We’ll negotiate. If everything goes right, maybe we’ll give you guys what you want to see.”