The iconic Madison Square Garden set the stage for one of the most anticipated fight cards of the year as UFC 309 delivered electrifying action, headlined by the heavyweight clash between reigning champion Jon Jones and former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic. After months of build-up and a two-year hiatus for Jones, fans were eager to witness the return of two legends vying for glory.
Main Event: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of MMA’s greatest athletes, made his first heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic in a fight that blended legacy and rivalry. Jones entered the Octagon after a nearly two-year break, having last fought in March 2023 when he submitted Ciryl Gane in the opening round to claim the vacant heavyweight belt.
Stipe Miocic, the 42-year-old former heavyweight champion, sought to reclaim the throne after a prolonged absence of over two years. Miocic’s last outing ended in a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021, but his resume remains unparalleled, holding the UFC record for most heavyweight title defenses (four combined and three consecutive).
As the fighters faced off, the energy in the arena was palpable. From Jones’ reach and grappling expertise to Miocic’s power and resilience, the bout showcased two styles colliding in a thrilling spectacle.
Highlights of the Fight
- Round 1: Jones quickly established his dominance with strategic kicks and sharp jabs, keeping Miocic at bay. Miocic attempted to close the distance but struggled against Jones’ precise counters.
- Round 2: The momentum shifted briefly as Miocic landed a clean right hand, testing Jones’ chin. However, Jones responded with a takedown, showcasing his superior wrestling.
- Round 3: Jones sealed his victory with a guillotine choke, forcing Miocic to tap out and solidifying his place as the heavyweight division’s king.
With this win, Jones extended his record to 28-1 (1 NC), reaffirming his status as an all-time great.
Co-Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler II
A rematch long in the making, Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler reignited their rivalry in the co-main event. Their first meeting in 2021 ended with Oliveira securing a second-round knockout to claim the lightweight title.
Both fighters entered with points to prove. Chandler, a three-time Bellator lightweight champion, had been inactive since November 2022, while Oliveira aimed to regain his footing after mixed results in recent bouts.
Fight Recap
- Round 1: Oliveira came out aggressively, landing a series of leg kicks and a stunning head kick that wobbled Chandler.
- Round 2: Chandler rallied with powerful strikes, attempting to close the fight with a flurry of punches.
- Round 3: Oliveira showcased his elite jiu-jitsu, locking in a rear-naked choke to secure the victory.
This win further cements Oliveira’s position as a top contender in the lightweight division.
Main Card Results
- Middleweight: Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig via first-round TKO. Nickal’s wrestling background proved too much for Craig, as he dominated from the opening bell.
- Women’s Flyweight: Karine Silva def. Viviane Araujo via unanimous decision. Silva’s superior striking made the difference in a closely contested bout.
- Lightweight: Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop via second-round submission. Ruffy’s grappling showcased his growing potential in the lightweight ranks.
Preliminary Card Standouts
- Bantamweight: Marcus McGhee def. Jonathan Martinez via split decision in a thrilling back-and-forth battle.
- Middleweight: Eryk Anders def. Chris Weidman via second-round TKO. Anders’ striking overwhelmed the former middleweight champion.
- Lightweight: Damon Jackson def. Jim Miller via unanimous decision in a technical showcase.
One of the highlights of the preliminary card came from heavyweight Marcin Tybura, who secured a TKO victory over Jhonata Diniz due to a doctor’s stoppage at the end of Round 2.
Early Preliminary Card Highlights
The early action set the tone for the evening with explosive performances:
- Welterweight: Rami Brahimaj defeated Mickey Gall via a first-round KO with a perfectly timed combination.
- Welterweight: Oban Elliott delivered a third-round KO against Bassil Hafez, finishing the bout in style.
- Flyweight: Eduarda Moura showcased her technical prowess, earning a unanimous decision win over Veronica Hardy.
UFC 309: Start Times and Coverage
- Preliminary Card: Began at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
- Main Card: Went live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
Fans were treated to a night filled with high-stakes matchups, dramatic finishes, and moments that will resonate throughout MMA history. For complete coverage of UFC 309, including detailed round-by-round updates and highlights, visit Uncrowned.
