Stipe Miocic claims he exposed weaknesses in ‘beatable’ Jon Jones during retirement fight loss

UFC heavyweight legend Stipe Miocic offered a unique perspective on his last professional mixed martial arts bout.

Miocic concluded his illustrious career in 2024 with a championship clash against Jon Jones, another athlete often considered among the sport`s all-time greats.

After a hiatus of over three years from the Octagon, Miocic faced Jones at UFC 309 in a highly anticipated pay-per-view main event, where Jones made his sole heavyweight title defense.

Due to Miocic`s age and extended break from competition, many anticipated Jones would secure a relatively easy victory, a prediction that seemed to materialize as Jones achieved a TKO stoppage in the third round.

However, despite the unsuccessful outcome of his final UFC appearance, Miocic believes his last fight in MMA was more competitive than it appeared.

Stipe Miocic Declares Jon Jones “Beatable” Despite TKO Loss

The fight concluded when Jones delivered a powerful spinning kick to Miocic`s body. Yet, the Ohio native asserts he was finding success prior to that decisive blow.

In a recent appearance on Sofascore`s “A Guest and a Half” program, Miocic indicated that he identified numerous vulnerabilities in Jones`s game before being defeated by a strike he feels he should have avoided.

“We were exchanging blows,” Miocic recounted. “Then he connected with a spinning kick. I had prepared for that specific technique, but I was just an inch too slow.”

Miocic elaborated, “He`s very good, exceptionally so. However, he does possess weaknesses. I believe I managed to expose several of them. He is beatable.”

UFC 320 Star Names His Pick for “Best American Fighter,” Overlooking Jon Jones

Many regard Jones as the UFC`s greatest of all time, having recently joined Miocic in retirement after a distinguished fighting career.

However, UFC 320 title contender Cory Sandhagen disagrees with this assessment, even going so far as to suggest that “Bones” isn`t the greatest American fighter.

In an interview with TNT Sports prior to his upcoming bout against Merab Dvalishvili, Sandhagen named Chuck Liddell as his choice over Jones.

When considering the overall “greatest of all time” debate, “The Sandman” ultimately picked Anderson Silva.