Stipe Miocic returned to the UFC Octagon for the first time in more than three years last Saturday when he took on Jon Jones in the UFC 309 main event for the heavyweight title.
Much like Jake Paul's recent professional boxing fight against Mike Tyson, Miocic's UFC 309 return was clouded in controversy due to his recent inactivity and the fact that he hasn't won a fight since 2020.
Despite this, the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time was immediately given a title fight upon his return, causing a stir among the UFC fanbase as Tom Aspinall is the incumbent interim champion.
Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images
Stipe Miocic is retiring following his loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309
Unfortunately, as most expected, Stipe Miocic looked rusty in the cage for his first fight in three years, and early in the fight Jon Jones started to show why he is considered the greatest of all time.
The commentary team of Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik all made it clear how slow Miocic looked in the Octagon and was unable to cause any problems for Jones.
After a strong first two rounds, Jones began pounding away at Miocic and midway through the third round he rocked Miocic with a huge right hand that wobbled him back to the cage.
The 37-year-old followed the former heavyweight champion to the cage and delivered a hellish spinning back kick to Miocic's body, sending him to the ground before finishing him off.
Following Stipe's disappointing performance, the 42-year-old announced that he is finally retiring and hanging up the gloves on what has been a phenomenal career.
“I'm done, I'm hanging them up, I'm retiring, thank God,” Miocic declared emotionally after his loss.
Jake Paul reacts to Stipe Miocic's UFC retirement
Since Miocic was one of Ohio's martial arts pioneers, fellow Ohioan Paul responded to the 42-year-old's retirement with a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
“Stipe Miocic is the greatest Ohio fighter ever. Ohio, we need to shine a light on this man. Congratulations on your great career brother,” Paul tweeted.
Stipe Miocic is the greatest Ohio fighter ever. Ohio, we need to shine a light on this man. Congratulations on a great career brother
— Jake Paul (@jakepaul) November 17, 2024
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Following his recent win over Tyson, 'The Problem Child' sent a small shot at the UFC brass and Dana White for their success, or lack thereof (compared to his Netflix event) at UFC 309.
“Dana White has been a boxing promoter his entire career. All these nut riders need to do their research. His TV show failed. I couldn't sell 4K tickets in Dublin with that useless Irish boxer he's promoting.
'And he's not the first fighter. He's Dana first. Builds you up and breaks you down. Now Conor McGregor has been taken hostage. Free Conor,” Paul added.
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