Stipe Miocic is unfazed by criticism over his fight against Jon Jones at UFC 309 despite a long absence and Tom Aspinall‘s impressive record, emphasizing that the matchup was not his decision and highlighting his legacy as a factor in the fight’s significance, while also addressing retirement rumors and focusing solely on defeating Jones.
Stipe Miocic isn’t losing sleep over the chatter about his fight with Jon Jones at UFC 309. Critics are buzzing because he’s back after a three-year break, while Tom Aspinall waits in the wings.
Remember, this fight was on the books a year ago until Jones got sidelined by a torn pec. Miocic reminds everyone he’s not calling the shots; he’s just taking the fights offered by the UFC.
“It wasn’t my choice,” Miocic told MMA Fighting. “It’s a fight I wanted, and the UFC gave it to me. They didn’t have to. They gave it to me.”
Aspinall might beg to differ, boasting an impressive 8-1 record in the UFC, all wins via knockout or submission within two rounds.
But Miocic has carved out a legacy as possibly the greatest heavyweight ever, holding the record for most title defenses. He respects Aspinall but believes his bout with Jones carries more weight.
“I believe so [there’s a reason why it’s happening],” Miocic said. “I believe people want to see that. I think a lot more people want to see the fight than him fight Aspinall.”
“[Tom Aspinall is] tough. He hits hard. Big boy. It’s what people want, he knocks people out.”
Meanwhile, some say Miocic is set to lose since his last fight was a KO loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021.
Miocic wanted a trilogy with Ngannou after they split wins, but it never happened. Ngannou fought once more before injuries and free agency took him away from the UFC.
Attention then turned to Jones, who had been eager for a shot at Miocic to solidify his own legacy.
Facing Jones after such a hiatus is no small feat, but Miocic isn’t fazed by naysayers predicting his downfall. The Cleveland native used to care about criticism; now, not so much.
“I don’t listen to anything on the outside,” Miocic said. “I used to when I was younger… How dare you? I was real sensitive. I literally stopped caring anymore.”
Rumors swirl that win or lose, both Miocic and Jones might retire after their showdown at UFC 309.
Jones has hinted at retirement often, claiming he has nothing left to prove post-Miocic on Nov. 16.
Miocic stays mum on social media and rarely gives interviews, keeping his thoughts on retirement under wraps.
So what’s his take on hanging up the gloves after facing Jones?
“I think every fight, I’m always preparing for my last one,” Miocic said. “Who wants to get beat up for weeks and do it again?”
He loves fighting but is focused solely on Jones right now. That’s where his mind’s at.
Still, he dreams of victory and sees beating Jones as the perfect career finale.
“When I do beat him, it’s going to be great,” Miocic said. “100 percent [that would be a great exclamation point on the career].”