Jon Jones proved once again why he should be at the top of the pound-for-pound list by defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. The bout ended with just 30 seconds left for the bell to announce the end of round 3, when ‘Bones’ sent forth a spinning back kick that caught ‘Stone Cold’ in the stomach. The impact forced Miocic on his knees and as Jones went in to land a few more strikes, causing Herb Dean to intervene and call an end to the fight. 

The impact of the heavyweight champion’s kick was indeed a bit too hard on the firefighter. This put a frown on every single fight fan’s face, including the UFC head honcho, Dana White who went up to check on Miocic after the fight. Thankfully, ‘Stone Cold’ received no serious damage. He seemingly refused to be taken out with the cage side doctors and stayed till the UFC color commentator interviewed him. 

However, the fighting community will not see him return to the Octagon. During the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, the 42-year-old heavyweight fighter announced that UFC 309 was indeed his last dance. The former heavyweight champion said, “I’m done.” He continued, “I’m hanging ‘em up. I’m retiring. Thank God.” The legend finally said farewell to the world of mixed martial arts with a score of 20 wins and 5 defeats under his name.

On the other hand, the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion refused to hang his gloves. But is it Tom Aspinall he would fight next? Let’s find out!

Jon Jones refuses to retire after knocking out Stipe Miocic at UFC 309

As Rogan brought the microphone to Jones following the phenomenal win over Stipe Miocic, the 37-year-old champ announced, “As far as my future in the Octagon, you know, I decided that maybe I will not retire.” Needless to say, these words brought out cheers from the audience at the Madison Square Garden. But it was his hint at fighting Tom Aspinall that garnered even louder cheers. 

Jones claimed that he had some conversations to have with the UFC head honcho and Hunter Campbell, the Chief Business Officer of the UFC, regarding his next fight. He said, “We have some negotiating to do. And if everything goes right, maybe we will give you guys what you want to see.” However, the champ didn’t really answer with a name when Rogan asked if he wanted to stay in the heavyweight realm or fight Alex Pereira instead. All he said was the UFC world would get to know about it pretty soon. After all, Jones had previously confirmed that he would fight whoever Campbell and White wanted him to fight. And the UFC CEO had already announced that the winner of UFC 309 main event would go up against the interim heavyweight champion. All that we as fans need to do, is wait and watch the story unfold.

Did the fight between Jones and Miocic play out as per your predictions? Do you think ‘Stone Cold’ did the right thing by retiring from the sport? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.