Jones v Miocic betting picks & predictions | UFC 309 preview

Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will finally collide in the UFC 309 main event at Madison Square Garden this Saturday night. This bout has been rescheduled too many times to count, and anticipation is high to see two of the most dominant MMA athletes throw down in a heavyweight matchup for the ages. Read on for our full fight preview and free betting predictions.

Jones v Miocic UFC 309 main event preview

Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic

Jon Jones (27-1-0) ruled the light heavyweight division from 2011 to 2020, defeating all comers to be considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time. Only legal issues and failed drug tests interrupted this lengthy period of dominance. He moved to heavyweight in 2023, grabbing that title with a first-round submission win over Ciryl Gane. Since then, a range of injuries have kept the 37-year-old sidelined, yet Jones is a prohibitive betting favourite with leading UFC bookies.

Jones brings a full array of weapons into the octagon, relying on a huge reach and elite athleticism to throw strikes from all angles. He is also a dangerous wrestler with explosive takedowns, heavy ground-and-pound, and a strong submission game. Before the win over Gane, Jones had appeared somewhat lacklustre and unmotivated with narrow decision wins over Dominic Reyes and Thiago Santos.

Stipe Miocic (20-4-0) secured the undisputed heavyweight crown in 2016 with a knockout win over Fabricio Werdum. He then defended the belt three times, lost it in 2019, then won it straight back from Daniel Cormier. In a division where it is notoriously difficult to defend the title, Miocic is still considered the most dominant champion of all.

The 42-year-old last appeared in the octagon in 2021, losing the title via knockout to Francis Ngannou. He has since waited on the sidelines for a send-off bout against Jones in what would be a fitting end to an illustrious career. Miocic has only been knocked out three times across a long career taking on huge strikers, which is a testament to his fitness and evasive skills.

Jones v Miocic UFC 309 predictions

This contest poses several difficult questions. Jones and Miocic are getting old, coming off lengthy periods of inactivity, and nearing the end of their careers. The long break might prove more beneficial to Miocic given the injuries Jones has suffered in that time. Fight fans would have loved to see these men square off in their prime years, and it is impossible to determine who will enter the most physically sound and mentally motivated.

Miocic possesses the power to knock out Jones, so the favourite might opt for an early takedown and submission attempt — like what he did to Gane. The outsider might also be more likely to prevail on the scorecards if the fight lasts the distance, but we are tipping Jones to take that scenario out of the equation.

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