As we enter November, the countdown to UFC 309 is on. The event is just two weeks away, scheduled to take place in the heart of New York City, featuring a stacked fight card with fighters eager to showcase their skills. Among the most exciting matchups is the heavyweight clash where UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones will defend his title for the first time against former champion Stipe Miocic in a grueling five-round battle.

This upcoming heavyweight fight is considered the last dance for both legends, as Miocic stands at 41 and Jones at 37. Both have hinted that this Madison Square Garden event could be their final appearance. However, in a recent episode of his podcast, BS w/ Jake Paul, Miocic appeared to contradict himself when asked if this would be his last fight, regardless of the outcome.

He expressed a skeptical mindset, saying, “I don’t know, man. I say it every time—after every fight, I think about retiring.” Miocic further ruled out the idea of retirement for now, instead focusing on the upcoming fight on November 16.

Miocic further added, “So, we’ll see. Right now, I’m worrying about the fight, not about what happens after it.” A fact already echoed by UFC head honcho Dana White earlier this year is that the veteran Miocic will “100 percent” fight his final battle against the undefeated Jones.

Initially, the fight was scheduled for the end of 2023 at the same time and place. However, it fell through when Jon Jones tore his pectoral tendon during a training session, ultimately delaying the fight for a full year. Now, both fighters are ready to take action and revitalize the heavyweight division one final time, with Stipe Miocic also sharing in the same interview his determination to put down Jon Jones.

What is Stipe Miocic’s strategy for his rumored last fight?

Jon Jones, since his debut, has served as a nightmare for the light heavyweight division for more than a decade. Following the departure of Francis Ngannou, which left the heavyweight title vacant in 2022, Jones quickly moved up to the heavyweight class, where he lived up to his reputation by guillotine choking Ciryl Gane in his first heavyweight clash. Since then, he has been out of the picture.

On the other hand, Stipe Miocic, a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, has also become a force to be reckoned with in the division. Throughout his UFC career since 2011, he has only tasted defeat four times, with the most recent loss against Francis Ngannou, who sent him into the shadows in his last fight. Despite the setbacks and his age, Stipe Miocic is back at the twilight of his career, maintaining the same strategic mentality he has carried throughout.

Miocic stated, “We’re three weeks away. I’m ready, man. I’ve been pumped. I keep quiet. I focus on the task at hand; I just worry about my fight. That’s all I worry about. Jon Jones does a lot of things well, but I have great coaches, great teammates, and they prepare me for whatever happens. I’m not going to wait for what he’s going to do; I’m going to do what I want to do.”

What are your thoughts on Stipe Miocic’s comments? Do you think Miocic, a veteran who has already crossed 40, is at a suitable juncture to retire, or can he continue fighting in MMA? Drop your opinion below.