Jones vs. Miocic & Tyson vs. Paul Main Events Shouldn’t Have Happened

Wow, what a whirlwind weekend! Friday saw Jake Paul clinch a lackluster decision over Mike Tyson in an eight-round boxing match that probably never should’ve happened. Then, on Saturday, Jon Jones stopped Stipe Miocic in the UFC 309 main event, a heavyweight title fight that also seemed unnecessary.

So much to unpack here, let’s jump right into this week’s questions!

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A weekend of unnecessary fights

“Was this the carniest weekend in combat sports history? Like has there ever been so much money generated off so little main event value in light of Miocic & Tyson fighting as old as most expected?”

Probably not the “carniest” ever — combat sports have a rich history of bizarre events. Yet, this weekend might take the cake for my 20+ years as a fan.

Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson was one of the silliest bouts ever. I said it before and I’ll say it again: Tyson admitted to nearly dying last summer! Sure, people watched, but did anyone actually enjoy it? No real gain for Paul either. We’re just lucky nothing tragic occurred.

Then we had UFC 309. Slightly better than Paul vs. Tyson, but not by much. Anyone who wasn’t completely naive knew Miocic was past his prime and wouldn’t challenge Jones significantly. Miocic moved like he was stuck in molasses while Jones, known for not forcing the issue, took his time.

This weekend reinforced that spectacle often trumps substance in fighting. These bouts were sold as major events, and people tuned in only to face reality’s disappointment. And because they tuned in, expect more carnival-like fights ahead. Yippee!

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Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall

“Should the UFC strip Tom Aspinall of the interim Heavyweight Championship now that Jon Jones defended the the the title at UFC 309?”

Nope, it’s Jon Jones who should be stripped.

To my knowledge, this is a first: two titles running concurrently in a division. The UFC has had interim champs defend their belts before, but never alongside an “undisputed” champion defending theirs. It’s absurd and entirely self-inflicted by the UFC.

There’s an easy fix: unify the belts. But Jones wants a fortune to do that. So pay him or strip him — history suggests which is more likely.

For all those backing Jones: he’s entitled to choose his fights. If he prefers facing Alex Pereira for less cash because it’s easier, that’s his prerogative. But he shouldn’t do it with the heavyweight title — belts come with obligations to rightful contenders. If champions dodge them, we’re veering into pro wrestling territory.

Jones can chase Pereira if he wishes but should relinquish the title first. Frankly, it’s somewhat of a paper belt since Aspinall is beating relevant heavyweights and acting like a true champ.

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Vacation, all I ever wanted

“If Jon vacates the belt to fight Pereira do you think best case scenario for Tom is Alex winning and then fighting Tom after getting the hype from beating Jon? Or is there any other realistic fight for him that is even half as big as fighting Jon Jones?”

Honestly? It doesn’t really matter for Aspinall right now because Tommy’s already winning.

Last week was huge for Aspinall without even stepping into the cage. His name dominated Fight Week chatter even before Jones chimed in with excuses about avoiding him unless paid handsomely. When one of MMA’s greatest says they’d rather retire than face you… well, you’re doing something right!

One thing I disagree with Jones on: Aspinall doesn’t need him. Sure, he’d love to fight Jones — it’s undoubtedly the biggest bout available and would launch him into mainstream fame — but Aspinall’s thriving on his own as MMA’s John Wick: even feared by boogeymen.

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Charles Oliveira

“Why doesn’t Charles get brought up more when talking about all timers? I know he wasn’t P4P No. 1 while champ, but what he’s done at lightweight and his finishing ability, he’s top 30 P4P ever, no?”

(Mike) Heck yeah! Charles Oliveira is viewed as an all-time great by many fans. Just recently folks were (wrongly) debating if he’s the best lightweight ever. Most agree he’s Hall of Fame material.

However, there’s more to unpack here about why he’s not discussed like Dustin Poirier or others.

First off: language bias may play a role — American fans find it tougher to connect with non-English speakers despite Oliveira’s thrilling style.

Secondly: Oliveira’s highs are high but he’s faced some major lows too — finished eight times with a reputation (rightly or wrongly) for quitting in fights.

Thirdly: He’s still near his prime! Fans wax poetic about legends nearing retirement; Oliveira isn’t quite there yet.

Lastly: While an all-timer indeed…he falls short compared to top-tier legends discussed during GOAT debates—think Dan Henderson or Frankie Edgar—not quite best-of-the-best status-wise.

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BMF Title Fight?

“If Oliveira vs Max Holloway does happen next (I also hope that it does!), how do you see that fight playing out?”

This shouldn’t be an “if.” It should be “when.” The only fight next for Charles Oliveira should be against Max Holloway for BMF title glory!

I’ve written before about how this era of MMA has Four Kings like boxing did back then: Charles Oliveira; Max Holloway; Justin Gaethje; Dustin Poirier—amongst history’s finest fighters known both violence & skillful prowess alike—all four ranked Top-10 Most Exciting Fighters Ever having fought each other except one glaring exception…

A lifetime ago these warriors met inside featherweight octagon only ending prematurely due weird injury robbing us fans chance witness epic showdown between them both once desired long ago now somehow even more compelling today than before making its absence criminal if denied further still…

If happens though honestly no idea outcome given improvements seen since original encounter favoring neither side definitively enough call victor outright just yet leaving plenty intrigue mystery surrounding potential clash eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipated eagerly anticipating future developments unfold naturally course time passes inevitably eventually ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finally ultimately finality arrives sooner later 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