UFC 309 will finally showcase a true legacy fight. The MSG Arena in the ‘Big Apple’ will host perhaps two of the greatest champions in MMA history as Jon Jones takes on Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight crown later this year. ‘Bones’ will return from a torn labrum injury to fight what many consider his ‘swan song’ inside the Octagon. While Stipe on the other hand will come out of his 3-year hiatus after losing the crown to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260.

Meanwhile, the Interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall has torn through the division with a ferocity reminiscent of a charging bull. With ‘Bones’ being inactive for over 500 days, the Englishman has claimed his spot at the top of the division. Just weeks after the announcement of the proposed clash, rumors have floated that the main event for UFC’s flagship event in November is in jeopardy yet again. However, UFC veteran Chael Sonnen has other opinions on the matter.

Chael Sonnen isn’t buying into Stipe Miocic’s UFC 309 pullout rumors

The UFC 309 title clash between ‘Bones’ and ‘The World’s Baddest Firefighter’ could mark the last time we see these icons inside the Octagon. As Aspinall looks to lead the new guard, we are in for an all-timer. However, Stipe’s inactivity and lack of media appearances have fueled rumors of him ‘no-showing’ the card and that the ‘Honey Badger’ will finally fight for the undisputed gold. UFC veteran Chael Sonnen sees no logic to these baseless claims.

He took to Instagram and said, “Stipe Miocic is not gonna show up in November to fight Jon Jones? I just keep hearing this and I haven’t heard an explanation of why. There isn’t a rumor going around that Stipe is hurt. There certainly would be no believable rumor going around that Stipe is scared.”

‘The American Gangster’ further added, “Am I missing something? Where is this coming from? If your secondary evidence is simply that Tom Aspinall has been inserted and Stipe hasn’t done a ton of media. Well! Stipe has never done a ton of media and Tom Aspinall has been inserted at other times, he is the Interim Champion for goodness sake. Stipe changed his physiology, signed the same contract, and showed up at the arena. I don’t know what I am missing here. Why is there a constant theme that Stipe’s not gonna show?”

Following the cancellation of the much-awaited fight at UFC 295, the MMA world is once again erupting with speculations and doubts. With Jones and Miocic finally set for their iconic clash, another vital question looms over the future of the heavyweight division going forward.

A new era for the heavyweight division?

November 16 will very well define the trajectory of the heavyweight division moving forward. With the old guard on its last legs, new and fresh contenders are ready to make their name. In an interview given to Kevin Iole via YouTube, UFC head honcho Dana White said, “There’s not enough credit being given for this, what he [Tom Aspinall] did to Curtis Blaydes, the way that he did and how fast that he did it, there’s no doubt. This guy is a scary dude. He looks like the future of the heavyweight division.”

Following Dana White’s Contender Series 68, the UFC President made a positive point for the division’s future. He stated, “I think he’s talking about retiring, but will he if the Aspinall thing is really flying out there? I personally think Jon challenges himself and takes the fight. I think he does it.”

He further added, “There’s no way Jon Jones doesn’t want to fight Aspinall. That, I guarantee you. I guarantee you… I believe Jon Jones-Aspinall happens if he beats Stipe.” UFC CEO is quite confident about the prospect of a future clash between Jones and Aspinall.

A seismic shift is underway in the heavyweight division that will become very real regardless of what happens at UFC 309. A new breed of heavyweights is here to take the sport. Contenders like Ciryl Gane, Alexander Volkov, and Sergei Pavlovich will look to go after the gold once Aspinall is upgraded to undisputed status.

Being the first division to be born out of the UFC back in 1993, the heavyweight division has always been full of killers and elite fighters. Will the future match up to the past? Will we see a crowning moment at UFC 309 or are we in for a twist? What do you think? Drop your comments below.