UFC 309 Jones vs Miocic: How enigmatic Jon Jones channelled Bruce Lee to retain title
Even before Jones landed the finishing blow, fellow American Miocic had little answer to the diversity of the attacks which were aimed his way.
Some of it was likely to do with age. At 42 and after being away from the octagon for nearly four years, Miocic was nowhere near his prime.
But a lot of it was to do with Jones’ deep arsenal, as jabs, high-kicks, elbows, knees from the clinch and takedowns were all used to break Miocic down.
And it’s not just when he fights – Jones has been as unpredictable outside the octagon this week as he was in it.
Earlier in the week he used an expletive to describe Britain’s interim champion Tom Aspinall, who Jones has largely dismissed as a prospect to fight next.
The same day he walked out of an interview with sports broadcaster TNT Sports, citing he was expecting an “Aspinall fest”.
Then he turned on Miocic, refusing to shake his hand at a news conference before changing his mind and accepting a handshake the following day at the weigh-ins.
Jones is polarising and has been so throughout his UFC career, which has been punctuated by doping bans and problems in his personal life.
UFC president Dana White knows this better than anyone.
“Me and Jon Jones never got on out of the cage. We had a horrendous relationship for 10 years,” said Dana White.
“We don’t have that kind of relationship anymore, but I didn’t have to like him to realise who he is and what he’s capable of and seeing the brilliance. He is the best to ever fight, period.
“It’s unbelievable what he did tonight. As long as he’s active he’s the pound for pound best in the world.”
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