UFC 309 is set to take place on Saturday from Madison Square Garden in New York. Here are the 20 things you should know about the pay-per-view.
Several combat sports legends are scheduled to fight this weekend, and most won’t be in Texas for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event on Friday.
UFC 309 happens the following night at Madison Square Garden in New York, where Jon Jones, the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, takes on Stipe Miocic, the most accomplished heavyweight in the sport’s history.
Here are 20 things you should know about UFC 309.When, Where and What Venue
UFC 309 will take place on November 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event will be streamed on ESPN+ PPV.UFC 309 Main Event
Jones and Miocic is a matchup that many have longed to see, but by many accounts, it might be happening at the wrong time. Nonetheless, Jones will add another notch to his impressive belt with a win. Miocic could become the first man to defeat Jones legitimately, adding an unquestionable feather to his cap.Jon Jones’ Heavyweight Reign
Jones defended the light heavyweight championship 11 times against the best in his division throughout his era. Saturday’s clash will mark the first time Jones has defended the title he won when he submitted Ciryl Gane in March 2023. The title was vacated by Francis Ngannou, who left the promotion as champion before signing with the Professional Fighters League.Stipe Miocic’s Return
Miocic hasn’t fought since March 2021, when he was savagely knocked out by Ngannou, losing the heavyweight title. If he wins, he’ll become UFC’s second three-time heavyweight champion. Randy Couture also won the title three times.Fighter Layoffs
The combined layoffs for Jones (20 months) and Miocic (44 months) are five-plus years. That’s the most extended combined layoff in the history of the UFC heavyweight championship. The long layoffs add to the uncertainty about the outcome, though Jones is a massive favorite.Decorated Backup
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will serve as the official backup for Jones or Miocic. If either man cannot compete, Aspinall would step in to take his place.
However, that’s a sticky situation. If Jones or Miocic fell off the card for whatever reason, it is unclear if either man would go through with a fight with Aspinall. In which case, Aspinall would be elevated from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion.Co-Main Event Rematch
The co-main event isn’t a title bout, but it is a five-round lightweight rematch between former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler.
