In a night that will be etched in MMA history, Jon “Bones” Jones solidified his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time with a stunning third-round knockout of Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. The highly anticipated heavyweight clash lived up to the hype, with Jones showcasing his ever-evolving skillset in front of a packed Madison Square Garden crowd.
THE MOMENT JON JONES KO’ED STIPE MIOCIC 😳 #UFC309 pic.twitter.com/R0IC0lZVq7
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 17, 2024
From the opening bell, Jones demonstrated why he’s considered one of the most dynamic fighters in the sport. He utilized his reach advantage effectively, keeping Miocic at bay with a series of long jabs and oblique kicks. Miocic, known for his resilience and boxing prowess, found it difficult to close the distance and land significant strikes.
As the fight progressed into the first round, Jones began to mix in his wrestling, scoring a takedown and controlling Miocic on the ground. The former heavyweight champion showed his grit, managed to stay safe, not get finished, and ride out the round. In the second round, it was more of the same as Jones was able to keep Miocic at the end of his strikes just picking him apart and working the body which aided in Miocic’s demise.
The climax came in the third round when Jones, in a moment of brilliance, unleashed a perfectly timed spinning backkick that caught Miocic flush to the body. The impact was immediate and devastating. Miocic crumpled to the canvas, clutching his midsection, as the referee rushed in to wave off the fight. The Garden erupted as Jones celebrated his victory, cementing his place atop the heavyweight division.
The fight not only lived up to its billing inside the Octagon but also at the box office. UFC 309 generated a staggering $16.7 million in gate revenue, making it the second-highest grossing event in Madison Square Garden’s storied history. This financial success further cements the UFC’s dominance in the venue, as the promotion now holds seven of the top nine highest-grossing events ever at the World’s Most Famous Arena.
The second highest grossing event in the history of Madison Square Garden 💸#UFC309 delivered in NYC 🗽 pic.twitter.com/0Ij8C7pnJv
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) November 17, 2024
The UFC’s stronghold on Madison Square Garden’s financial records is a testament to the sport’s growing popularity and the promotion’s ability to put together compelling fight cards. With positions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9 on the all-time grossing events list, the UFC has established itself as a premier entertainment draw in one of the world’s most iconic venues.
As for Jones, this victory adds another chapter to his already legendary career. Having conquered the light heavyweight division and now making his mark at heavyweight, discussions of his place in MMA history will undoubtedly intensify. The manner of his victory over Miocic, a two-time heavyweight champion considered by many to be the greatest heavyweight of all time, will only fuel the argument that Jones may indeed be the greatest fighter to ever step into the Octagon.
With this spectacular performance and the event’s financial success, UFC 309 will be remembered as a landmark moment in the sport’s history. It showcased the best of what MMA has to offer – elite athleticism, tactical brilliance, and the kind of drama that only combat sports can deliver. As the UFC continues to break records and set new standards, one thing is clear: the future of MMA is brighter than ever.
