Stipe Miocic: ‘I Love Proving People Wrong’

“You’re going to hear, ‘And new.’ That’s how this fight is going to end.”

Stipe Miocic is ready to make history.

Miocic makes his return to the Octagon in November at UFC 295, challenging Jon Jones for the heavyweight title.

“You’re going to hear, ‘And new,’” said Miocic. “That’s how this fight is going to end.”

More than 29 months have passed since Miocic last fought. That bout took place in March of 2021, when he lost the heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260. After the fight, Miocic was immediately removed from the discourse on the ESPN+ post-show as the narrative quickly shifted to a superfight between Ngannou and Jon Jones.

Yet, outside of occasional sparring on social media, that highly anticipated Ngannou-Jones bout appears it is destined to never take place. Instead, on November 11, it will be Jones making the first heavyweight title defense of his career against Miocic, the greatest heavyweight champion in UFC history.

And Jones–who has only fought once at heavyweight during his legendary career–enters as the massive favorite to win.

“I love proving people wrong,” said Miocic, a two-time UFC heavyweight champion. “That’s been the story my whole life. When I was told I couldn’t do something, it motivated me. It still does.”

Miocic (20-4) is attempting to accomplish what has yet to be done. The only time Jones tasted defeat in his storied career occurred when he was disqualified. No one has knocked him out, submitted him, or outscored him on judges’ scorecards. Jones (27-1, 1 NC) is MMA’s unstoppable force–but Miocic is preparing to change that.

“Jon Jones wins,” said Miocic, who shared that he is currently weighing in at 245 pounds. “He always finds a way. But so do I.”

The title fight takes place in New York at the famed Madison Square Garden. Neither Miocic nor Jones have ever fought inside those hallowed walls, adding another element to the bout.

“I got to fight in Boston, and that was amazing, but I’m really excited to fight in New York,” said Miocic. “MSG, that’s the mecca. My whole family is coming.”

The current odds list Jones as the overwhelming favorite to win. But this is not the first time Miocic has been listed as the underdog in a title fight. Remarkably, he has only been the favorite once in his past five fights.

“I’m used to it by now,” said Miocic. “Vegas didn’t like me before. They’re not going to like me now.”

Another unique aspect to this bout is that it could be the final fight for both Miocic and Jones. Miocic is 41 years old while Jones is 36, and it is very possible that the winner of this fight retires as champion–and the loser also steps away.

“I’m worried about November,” said Miocic. “Nothing after that.”

The safe bet for UFC 295 is that Jones emerges victorious, and then Miocic retires after a valiant battle. But this is a legacy bout for Miocic. His place in history will forever change with a win, and the often overlooked fighter would carve out an undeniable place in MMA lore if he knocks out or submits Jones.

“People can go ahead and bet against me,” said Miocic. “I’m going to walk out with the belt around my waist.”