Jon Jones refused to shake Stipe Miocic‘s hand during the UFC 309 press conference, warning him not to mention his children again, and later expressed that he felt Miocic lacked the desire to be in the fight, despite respecting his dangerous capabilities.
Jon Jones refused to shake Stipe Miocic’s hand during their UFC 309 press conference staredown. Then, he delivered a stern message to the former heavyweight champion.
“Don’t ever mention my kids again,” Jones warned Miocic. Tension was palpable.
Ahead of Jones’ first title defense this Saturday at Madison Square Garden, he appeared on the UFC’s morning weigh-in show. Longtime rival Daniel Cormier asked him about the faceoff and whether he thrives on having an extra chip on his shoulder for fights.
“I remember when you and I were fighting,” Jones reminisced. “I was so passionate about it. Didn’t want you to have even one day over me in training.”
He recalled both training on Christmas Day. The rivalry fueled them.
“But also, I fought guys like Ciryl Gane where we were very respectful,” Jones continued. “And we saw how that fight turned out.”
Jones mentioned finding a video of Miocic at home, discussing him and his legacy. “My kids will never look back and see me as an asshole,” Miocic had said.
Jones couldn’t forget how he felt hearing that. “OK, you’re another fighter who hates me for no reason,” he thought.
When Miocic called him a “bitch,” it stung. It was clear there was no respect, which saddened Jones because he respected Stipe.
“I didn’t make this stuff up,” Jones said, reflecting on the animosity. Despite it all, he’s grateful to set emotions aside in the cage.
Jones returns to the octagon since submitting Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. Miocic has been absent longer, last seen losing his title to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 in March 2021.
“Bones” looked into Miocic’s eyes and saw reluctance.
“I learned a lot,” Jones stated. “Didn’t feel like he wanted to be there.”
He’s faced many aggressive men before but saw something different in Miocic’s eyes. Indifference?
Despite this, Jones plans to approach the fight with utmost respect for Miocic’s danger and ability. But he’s not worried—Miocic’s eyes didn’t show anything threatening.
And so, they prepare for battle.