Stipe Miocic is going to have a historic fight against Jon Jones but will this be his last appearance in the Octagon? There are rumors that the aftermath of UFC 309 might see the firefighter/ heavyweight star retire from UFC no matter what the outcome is. The 42-year-old has always maintained that he has the firefighter job not only because he loves helping people but also to have something after UFC.

So his backup plan is ready from the start and he loves being a first responder. Now the question is, will he truly retire after UFC 309?

Stipe Miocic clears the air about his retirement

The former 2-time champion had claimed that the idea of retirement had been bothering him since his first fight under Dana White’s promotion. “I think every fight, I’m always preparing for my last one [and] I always thought about retiring after my first UFC fight,” Stipe Miocic conveyed to ‘MMA Fighting’. “I say that all the time. Who wants to get beat up for 10 weeks, 12 weeks, come back and do it again?”

So his glass was always half empty and he is a realist when it comes to retirement and fame from the combat world. However recently, while speaking to Shakiel Mahjouri, he showed a different approach to the retirement mindset. During the interview with SHAK MMA Mahjouri asked him why he stayed back at UFC if he always wanted to retire and never liked being punched in the face.

‘Stone Cold’ said, “It’s just like I love what I do. If you know, it’s all individual sport but the whole team aspect and just, you know, having responsibility going through training just having you know having things to do. It’s just the whole like the whole aspect of it, so it’s fine.” Even though retirements are sometimes short-lived, Miocic always plans for the concluding chapter and is prepared. He spoke about the same to CBS Sports and said, “I love what I do and it’s fun. So we’ll see but right now my task at hand is Jon. That’s all I care about. That’s what I’m thinking about.”

Miocic’s tense nature towards the wear and tear at MMA is surprising given the fact that he has fought 18 times after his UFC debut. Now when it comes to retirement, Jon Jones is also on a similar page to his opponent.

Jon Jones might retire after his fight at MSG

Madison Square Garden is a historic venue that has hosted some of the biggest sporting events in a century. Miocic and Jones are both excited for the event and retiring after a fight and a possible win at The Big Apple might be a golden way to end a chapter. ‘Bones’ is still on the fence with retirement but his coach pointed out that it might be a strong possibility. Brandon Gibson spoke to MMA Fighting and said, “Whenever Jon’s ready [to retire], I’m right there with him. I’m approaching this one like it’s our last go, it’s our last rodeo.”

He won the vacant belt against Ciryl Gane and this is his first time defending the heavyweight title since then. The 37-year-old has already achieved greatness and has a remarkable career in UFC. He was thinking of retirement but UFC 309 might have got him excited for future prospects. Jones is willing to contemplate offers for another title defense after facing Miocic and favors Alex Pereira over Tom Aspinall.

Jon Jones and Miocic have both cemented their name in UFC and retiring now would not put a blemish in their careers. However, besides the retirement speculations, what are your predictions on who will win this weekend at MSG?