Jon Jones sent Stipe Miocic into retirement with a stunning back kick in the third round to retain the UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night.
Jones was the aggressor from the start and landed a series of shots to Miocic’s head in the first round before dropping fellow American Miocic to confirm his status as one of the best fighters in the world.
Miocic enjoyed some success early in the third round, but once again Jones was able to connect with a couple of punches before his rotating kick to the ribs ended the bout.
“As far as my future in the octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire,” Jones said.
“That body shot man, no matter how tough you are, the liver’s the liver. I’m proud to be a great American champion.”
Former two-time heavyweight champion Miocic failed in his bid to win the heavyweight crown for a third time and immediately announced his retirement after the defeat.
“I’m done,” Miocic said. “I’m hanging them up.”
The status of the event was exemplified with the attendance of President-elect Donald Trump, tech billionaire Elon Musk, musician Kid Rock, UFC CEO Dana White and podcaster Joe Rogan.
Trump walked out to a rousing ovation in front of 20,200 fans who chanted “USA” before dancing as the UFC played footage celebrating his election victory.
Jones imitated this dance following his victory and said: “I want to give a big, big thank you to President Donald Trump being here tonight.”
British heavyweight Tom Aspinall looms as the next challenger for Jones. Aspinall won a fight for the interim heavyweight title last November in the Garden.
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