UFC 309: Jon Jones opens at short odds for Stipe Miocic fight

Jon Jones is an early favourite to defeat Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 in November, after it was announced on Saturday that the two will clash for the heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden.

Bookmaker Marantelli Bet has the title fight at -384.62 to +295 in Jones’ favour.

The pair were due to clash in November 2023, but a pectoral injury to Jones led to the fight’s cancellation.

Both fighters have been widely inactive the past four years.

Jones has fought just once since February 2020, going up a weight class and submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round to claim the UFC heavyweight belt.

Miocic, who was once recognised as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, has not fought since his second-round knockout defeat to Francis Ngannou in March 2021.

With Jones aged 37 and Miocic now 42, there has been heavy speculation that November’s fight will be the last appearance in the UFC for both men.

Jones recently added weight to that rumour, saying “this is going to be the last time, more than likely” while backstage at UFC 306 over the weekend.

Earlier this year, UFC boss Dana White stated that he believes Miocic will retire but Jones may continue fighting beyond 2024.

“I think if Stipe wins, he probably will retire,” White said in July.

“But I think if Jon Jones wins, I just think that competitive spirit that he has and his desire to prove to the world that he’s the best will make him fight.

“Especially when people are saying that Aspinall could possibly be the best ever.

“I think that’s the kind of shit that fires Jon Jones up.”

Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has made it clear that he is eager to fight the winner of Jones vs Miocic, with the Englishman having won three times in the division since either man last fought.

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