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As UFC 309 approaches, the spotlight is on Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, two legends who may be nearing the end of their storied careers. Set to face off in the main event on Nov. 16, fans and pundits are eager to see who will emerge victorious—and whether this fight will mark the end for both fighters.
At 42, Miocic is no stranger to the toll age takes on athletes, and at 37, Jones isn’t far behind. Despite their age, both fighters have already secured their place among the all-time greats in UFC history. While no retirement announcements are expected before the fight, Jones’ longtime coach, Brandon Gibson, is treating this event with a sense of finality.
“Whenever Jon’s ready [to retire], I’m right there with him,” Gibson told MMA Fighting. “I’m approaching this one like it’s our last go, it’s our last rodeo.”
This doesn’t mean Jones is coasting. In fact, Gibson believes that Jones has never been more prepared. After taking time off due to a torn pectoral muscle, Jones has adapted his body to the heavyweight division, and his performance against Miocic is expected to be even better than his debut win over Ciryl Gane.
Gibson also acknowledges that there’s always going to be a new contender, whether it’s current interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall or someone else. However, for Gibson, these speculations are secondary. His focus remains on the fight against Miocic.
“Ten years from now we’ll have all the generational talks... But what I do know is Nov. 16 we’ll be standing across the cage, across the octagon from Stipe and his great team. That’s what we’re focused on,” Gibson said.
Whether UFC 309 will be Jones’ last fight or just another chapter in his career, the world will be watching as two icons face off, perhaps for the final time.
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