The heavyweight division has been the talk of the MMA sphere with all eyes on the return of Stipe Miocic against Jon Jones. Since their fight at UFC 295 fell through due to Jones’s injury, Tom Aspinall has won the interim heavyweight title, defended it against Curtis Blaydes, and is raring to go at the undisputed champion, ‘Bones’. What about Stipe Miocic, the man who defended his heavyweight crown a record-setting 3 times in his first reign?

The former champion has been out of action since getting knocked out by Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in 2021.  As such, Joe Rogan has brought up an intriguing perspective. The last time Miocic stepped into the cage, the heavyweight landscape looked very different. But is that long absence a blessing in disguise? Or something else entirely?

Joe Rogan brings up concerns about Stipe Miocic’s time away from fighting  

During his conversation with the new welterweight king, Belal Muhammad on the JRE MMA Show no. 162, Joe Rogan had some serious questions about Stipe Miocic’s return from his almost 3-year-long hiatus. The podcast host stated. “2021 dude, and we’re getting real close to 2025 so if this fight happens in November, 2025 is just a f*king month away, that’s a long a* time.”

While there haven’t been any official announcements yet, multiple sources including Jon Jones have been indicating that the promotion is targeting the clash for November at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden. Here’s where Rogan’s analysis gets interesting. Miocic may not have been fighting, but he also hasn’t been taking damage. And that’s a point worth considering. In a sport where one punch can change everything, maybe Miocic’s chin has had time to recover. 

After all, the Ohio native took some serious punishment before his break, especially in his battles with Ngannou and Daniel Cormier. Speaking of those fights, Rogan stated, “And you know, he’s had time to rest, like let the chin recover because that’s a you know, I think Daniel Cormier landed the picture perfect right hand when he knocked out Stipe but I also think Stipe was probably beaten up from that Francis fight.”

Rogan in his analysis also seemed to have noted a critical factor in Stipe Miocic’s past- Between his fight with Francis Ngannou at UFC 220 and his title loss to Daniel Cormier at UFC 226, there was barely a six-month gap. This short window may have been the factor that hindered Miocic’s ability to recover fully, affecting his capacity to absorb damage. But with his next challenge against Jon Jones on the horizon, what does that mean for the former champion?

The podcast host acknowledged that Miocic has had ample time to prepare, but he also underscored the looming danger of lost resilience. Did Miocic push too hard after the Ngannou fight, or has his extended hiatus finally provided the rest he needs? As fans eagerly anticipate Miocic’s return, the question of readiness lingers.

Nevertheless, it does seem like Miocic isn’t shying away from the challenge. With determination fueling him, he’s ready to silence his critics and prove he’s still one of the best to ever step into the Octagon.

Miocic believes he has the answer to the Jon Jones puzzle  

After such an extended absence from the Octagon and his last bout ending in a devastating knockout, concerns about Stipe Miocic’s chances against Jon Jones have echoed throughout the MMA community. But has that uncertainty shaken the former champion’s confidence? Not at all. In an interview with CBS Sports, Miocic emphasized that he’s eager to prove the doubters wrong.

The Ohio native bluntly stated, “I don’t like being told that. I like shutting people up. He’s beatable. I know he is. Anyone is beatable and I will be the first to do this.” This confidence in his abilities is also why he believes he is the one to hand Jones his first loss inside the Octagon. Why does he feel that way?

Miocic further explained that, “I think I have a style that doesn’t match well with his style. If the shoe’s on the other foot, it could be me as well. He does a lot of good things. He’s good with his distance, his leg kicks, and on the ground. I’m good at making it a fight. I’m technical, but I can also make it into the brawl and make him feel really uncomfortable as does he.”

While Miocic’s confidence is riding high, Rogan’s concerns echo through the MMA community. His comeback against Jon Jones could be either a masterpiece of calculated recovery or a harsh lesson in ring rust. It remains to be seen what holds true, come fight night. Is Stipe Miocic’s long break the secret to success or will it be the cause of his downfall against Jon Jones? Let us know what you think in the comments below!