Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are set to face off in the UFC 309 main event, with speculation about potential retirements for both fighters following the bout, as Jones’ coach Brandon Gibson prepares for it as if it might be their last together.
Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are gearing up for their showdown in the UFC 309 main event. But, honestly, there’s just as much buzz about what comes after as there is about the fight itself.
Rumors have been swirling for ages that both might hang up their gloves. It makes sense, though; Miocic is 42, and Jones isn’t far behind at 37. They’ve both achieved more than most fighters could dream of.
While it’s unlikely they’ll announce retirement before the bout, Jones’ coach, Brandon Gibson, is treating this camp like it’s his last walk with the champ. “Whenever Jon’s ready [to retire], I’m right there with him,” Gibson shared with MMA Fighting. “I’m approaching this one like it’s our last go.”
That doesn’t mean Jones is halfway out the door. Gibson insists Jones has never been sharper in terms of skills and prep. The man’s a legend—often called the greatest of all time—and beating Miocic would be another feather in his cap.
Miocic holds the record for longest reign as heavyweight champ and most title defenses (three). It’s a milestone Jones wants to check off before calling it quits. But every athlete faces a finish line eventually.
“I think physically, mentally, he could go in there and have five or six more great performances,” Gibson said. “There’s nothing left for Jon to prove.” Yet, they’re not discussing retirement every night; it’s all eyes on November 16th.
If they get one or two more fights after this? That’d be a blessing. But Gibson’s ready to see Jon hang it up when he’s ready. “Out of all the fighters, Jon deserves to walk away any time he wants.”
Some say Miocic is an easier opponent compared to Tom Aspinall. The interim champ boasts an impressive record—8-1 in the UFC with most wins by first-round knockout or submission.
Gibson respects Aspinall but knows there’s always another challenger waiting. Remember when everyone was obsessed with Jones vs. Francis Ngannou? Now it’s all about Aspinall.
“There’s always going to be a next No. 1 contender,” Gibson said. “There’s never going to be a perfect time to walk out.” Ten years from now, we’ll have those generational debates—Ali vs Tyson-type stuff.
Come November 16th, Jones will face Miocic over 20 months since dispatching Ciryl Gane to claim the vacant heavyweight title. A torn pectoral muscle delayed the fight from 2023 to 2024, but Jones has adapted his body for heavyweight dominance.
Gibson expects even better from Jones in his second heavyweight outing against Miocic. “He is getting stronger, faster, more skilled at heavyweight,” he said.
Jones has bulked up from light heavyweight to heavyweight and now looks leaner than ever. He’s surrounded by a super team of training partners and coaches—always learning, always evolving.
If everything goes well and Jones beats Miocic at UFC 309, he might just lay down his gloves then and there. Or maybe he’ll call out Aspinall for a champion vs champion clash.
Whatever happens, Gibson stands by Jones’ decision because if anyone’s earned the right to go out on his terms, it’s him. “Jon’s been sacrificing his body for this game for a long time,” Gibson said. “He’s earned it.”