Miocic hits back at critics over Jones fight at UFC 309

Stipe Miocic insists his fight against Jon Jones at UFC 309 on November 17 (AEDT) is what MMA fans want to see, hitting back at criticism that Tom Aspinall is not fighting for the title in New York instead.

“I believe people want to see that,” the former heavyweight champion said.

“I think a lot more people want to see the fight than him fight Aspinall.”

In his prime, Miocic was one of the best heavyweights the UFC has seen.

He won six straight bouts between 2015 to 2018, including a title fight and three successful defences — one of which was against the previously undefeated Francis Ngannou.

However, he has not fought in over three years, with his last UFC bout taking place in March 2021 when he lost in a rematch against Ngannou.

This has led many to criticise the choice of Miocic as Jones’ opponent at UFC 309 instead of Aspinall, who is the interim heavyweight champion.

• ASPINALL ACCUSES UFC OF PROTECTING JONES’ CHAMP STATUS

The 42-year-old acknowledged that while the Brit is an exciting prospect in the division, who fights who is not his decision.

“Tom Aspinall is tough. He hits hard. Big boy,” he said.

“It’s what people want, he knocks people out.”

“It wasn’t my choice.

“It’s a fight I wanted, and the UFC gave it to me.

“They didn’t have to. They gave it to me.”

The American explained that criticism of his upcoming fight does not concern him.

“I don’t listen to anything on the outside,” he said.

“I used to when I was younger, when I started I was like, ‘Why would you say that? How dare you?’

“I was real sensitive.

“I literally stopped caring anymore. I don’t care what anyone says. I really don’t care.”

Miocic also revealed that while retirement is on the cards following his clash against Jones, he will not make a decision yet.

“I think every fight, I’m always preparing for my last one,” he said.

“I always thought about retiring after my first UFC fight. I say that all the time.

“Who wants to get beat up for 10 weeks, 12 weeks, come back and do it again?

“I love what I do and it’s fun.

“So, we’ll see, but right now my task at hand is Jon.

“That’s all I care about. That’s what I’m thinking about.

“When I do beat him, it’s going to be great.

“100%, that would be a great exclamation point on the career.”

Top MMA betting sites have Miocic as a +450 underdog for the UFC 309 main event at Madison Square Garden, with Jones paying just -500 to defend his title.

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