UFC 309: "Perfect Storm For Me" - Jon Jones Picks Standout Fight Ahead of Title Defence Against Stipe Miocic

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Jon Jones has picked his standout fight in the Octagon ahead of his heavyweight title defence in the main event of UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic pay-per-view, which takes place at the Madison Square Garder in New York.

"Bones" Jones returns to the Octagon after a long hiatus to make his first title defence of the heavyweight crown against fellow veteran and former champion Stipe Miocic on Saturday (November 16).

This matchup is particularly thrilling as both fighters are considered among the greatest in MMA history. Jones, who last fought in March 2023, is known for his exceptional skill set and fight IQ, while Miocic holds the record for the most successful title defenses in the heavyweight division.

The stakes are high as both athletes look to solidify their legacies in what could be one of the most significant heavyweight clashes ever. While the magnitude of the fight is high, Jones revealed his preparations to face Miocic have been no different to facing other opponents.

"I was preparing for Stipe (Miocic) no differently than any other athlete I prepared for. At this point in my career, I've fought so many different styles: left-handed fighters, right-handed fighters, strikers, wrestlers. I will say it's there's nothing too different about training for Stipe," Jones was quoted as saying in a release.

Jones, who is the third-ranked pound-for-pound men's fighter, is set for his first scrap with two-time heavyweight champion Miocic, but is no newcomer to the Octagon. Bones Jones has completed 16 years competing in the UFC.

The 37-year-old recalled his journey in the Octagon and admitted that he never imagined he would be still fighting approaching 40, but the UFC heavyweight champ feels great to be still at the top of his game.

"I started my journey 16 years ago, and I didn't think that I would still be fighting at this point of my career. I used to say in earlier interviews that I thought I'd be done before I hit my 30s, and now here I am, approaching 40, and still at it," Jones added.

"I could have never anticipated that it would have gone so well, and I would have made it so far. But I'm glad that every year I've kept the faith, and I just got my head in the game and close to my goals and now we're here. It just feels great to not only be here after this long but be at the top. Still fighting."

Jones made his debut against Andre Gusmao at UFC 87 on August 9, 2008, and has since then run through several fighters that have come in his path inside the Octagon. Jones has had several controversies during his career and also some record-breaking title wins.

Having the number on many who he faced including Daniel Cormier, Maurício Rua and Chael Sonnen among others, Jones holds the record for most title defences in the UFC Light Heavyweight division, having defended the belt successfully eleven times.

Jones has defeated big title contenders in the past, but the veteran has singled out only one fight as his standout among the 27 in the Octagon. Jones has picked his first meeting with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 in Toronto, Canada as his best most toughest challenges.

"The fight that stands out to me the most was when I fought against Alexander Gustafsson the first time. We both pushed each other so hard. He took me down in the first round, which was the first time I'd ever been taken down in a fight," Jones said.

"He opened my face up. He challenged my cardio, he challenged my heart, my skill set. He was he was the perfect storm for me, and I was able to overcome it by the skin of my teeth, but I did overcome it. Fights like that just mean so much."

Jones won the fight via unanimous decision and later went on to defeat "The Mauler" Gustafsson five years later at UFC 232, finishing the fight with a third-round knockout to win the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight title. Now, Jones will be hoping for another title defence tonight in New York.

Fans can tune in to watch UFC 309 live on Sony Sports Ten 2 SD & HD, Sony Sports Ten 3 SD & HD (Hindi), and Sony Sports Ten 4 SD & HD (Tamil & Telugu) starting at 8:30 AM IST on Sunday, November 17.