Stipe Miocic is eager to fight Jon Jones and is not responsible for the heavyweight division’s current standstill, which stems from UFC’s decision-making and Jones’ injury, with a potential matchup being targeted for November.
Stipe Miocic only wants to fight Jon Jones. Ultimately, it’s still up to UFC whether that matchup actually happens.
As he awaits his return, the now 41-year-old former UFC heavyweight champion insists he’s not blocking anyone at the top of the division. The standstill stems from Tom Aspinall winning an interim title after Jones tore a pectoral muscle, canceling their scheduled fight in 2023.
UFC remains firm on a Jones vs. Miocic showdown. Meanwhile, Aspinall is set to defend his interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in June.
Miocic understands Aspinall’s frustration about not unifying the titles next. But that decision is above his pay grade.
“I get it,” Miocic told CBS Sports. “I’d feel the same way, but I’m not taking anything away from him. The UFC can do what they want.”
“There’s only one guy I want to fight: Jon Jones,” he added. “But at the same time, the UFC can pick who they want.”
“I’m not holding up any division like everyone says,” Miocic continued. “Do what you want and stop crying.”
Miocic hasn’t fought since March 2021 when he lost by knockout to Francis Ngannou in their rematch for the heavyweight title.
Initially, Miocic wanted a trilogy with Ngannou, but “The Predator” left UFC for PFL in free agency.
With that option gone, Miocic turned his focus to Jones, widely considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time.
Jones targeted Miocic after winning the heavyweight title in 2023—a matchup that intrigued both fighters.
“Everyone thinks he’s going to beat my ass,” Miocic said of Jones. “I don’t like being told that.”
“He’s beatable,” Miocic asserted. “Anyone is beatable and I will be the first to do this.”
Miocic often spoke about facing Jones when “Bones” reigned over light heavyweight while teasing a move up.
It’s a fight Miocic wanted and one he believes he can win.
“Styles make matchups,” Miocic said. “I think I have a style that doesn’t match well with his.”
“He does a lot of good things—distance control, leg kicks, ground game,” he noted. “But I’m good at making it a brawl and making him uncomfortable.”
“It depends on who imposes their will,” Miocic concluded. “Unfortunately, I don’t like being told what to do.”
No official offers or bout agreements yet exist for Jones vs. Miocic. However, sources indicate it’s targeted for November at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Jones has hinted at this date multiple times on social media.
If that’s the timeline, Miocic would return just shy of four years away from the cage—but he’s unfazed by the layoff or facing someone like Jones upon his return.
“I am very competitive and will never lose it,” said Miocic confidently. “It’s in my DNA.”