In a highly anticipated matchup at UFC 309, Jon Jones cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time by defeating Stipe Miocic with a third-round TKO. The fight was built up for nearly two years as fans eagerly awaited the clash between the heavyweight champion Miocic and the light heavyweight legend Jones.

Daniel Cormier’s Analysis

Daniel Cormier, a former two-division champion and a commentator, shared his thoughts on the fight, highlighting the stark difference in skill levels between the two combatants. “From the very start, it was apparent that these two are not on the same level,” Cormier stated on his YouTube channel. He dissected the fight flow, noting that Jones' early takedown in the first round significantly drained Miocic of energy, leading to a lackluster performance from the heavyweight.

Cormier elaborated on the unique challenges that come with facing someone like Jones in the octagon. “The speed is different, the fight IQ is different,” he said, emphasizing that no amount of preparation can fully mimic fighting Jones. “This looked like a wipeout. Miocic didn’t get much accomplished at all.”

Respect for Jon Jones

Despite his complicated history with both fighters, Cormier showed respect for Jones’ achievements. “I respect him immensely as a fighter,” he mentioned, citing Jones’ consistent dedication, fight intelligence, and durability as key factors in his unmatched success in the octagon.

Future Matchups

Looking ahead, after the fight, Jones expressed interest in a 'legacy' matchup against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, even hinting at retirement if he doesn't get that fight. However, Cormier believes the next logical step for Jones should be against interim champion Tom Aspinall. “Aspinall’s big, he’s explosive, and he could give Jon Jones problems,” Cormier asserted. He noted how many fighters have been expected to challenge Jones, yet none have faltered him thus far.

Miocic’s Retirement

In other news from UFC 309, Miocic announced his retirement after the loss, a decision that shocked many in the MMA community. This adds another layer to the legacy of both fighters—one who steps away as one of the greatest heavyweights, and the other who is further solidifying his dominance in the sport.

As fans and analysts speculate about Jones' next moves, one thing is clear: the heavyweight division has been shaken up, leaving fans eager for what comes next. Make sure to stay tuned as the UFC’s future matchups unfold!