Jones vs. Miocic still sells as many PPVs without UFC title

Whatever the stakes, Demetrious Johnson sees Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic as an enormous combat.

Many have criticized UFC heavyweight champion Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) for opting to defend his title in opposition to Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) over interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has competed six instances since Miocic final stepped into the cage, which was a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021.

“Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic doesn’t even have to be for a belt,” Johnson mentioned on the “JAXXON PODCAST.” “Like, that’s a legend combat, these two preventing. It might nonetheless promote as many pay-per-views. I’m positive Jon Jones goes to get the very same f*cking pay whether or not he’s champion or not, however I can’t dictate Jon Jones’ profession.

“I’m not going to dictate what he ought to or he can’t do. Me as a fan, I’d like to see Jon Jones combat Tom Aspinall. But when he doesn’t and he goes, ‘I’m going to simply combat Stipe, he’s a family title,’ go forward, do your factor, Jon.”

Jones was scheduled to face Miocic at UFC 295 earlier than Aspinall entered the title image, however withdrew on account of damage. Former two-time UFC champion Miocic is taken into account the consensus biggest heavyweight of all time, however Johnson worries how the inactivity will impression him.

“Once I have a look at Stipe, he hasn’t fought in 4 years. The final time he fought, he acquired knocked out. How’s his physique feeling? It’s laborious being away from the combat sport for 4 years. He’s doing superb issues. He’s a firefighter, but it surely’s going to be very, very laborious.”

Jones’ first title protection vs. Miocic is focused for UFC 309 on Nov. 16 at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York.