Jon Jones insists Stipe Miocic not 'washed up': 'Francis would've knocked out 98 percent of people that night'

Jon Jones debunks claims that Stipe Miocic is past his prime.

UFC heavyweight champion Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) has received plenty of criticism for preferring to defend his title against Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) over interim champion Tom Aspinall.

UFC CEO Dana White has defended Jones’ decision, but Aspinall has really gone after the champion for not fighting him. Jones vs. Miocic is expected to take place later in the year, and White is hopeful that Jones will unify his belt with Aspinall if he beats Miocic.

Regardless of everyone dismissing Miocic, who hasn’t competed since a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021, Jones is fully focused on adding the consensus greatest heavyweight of all time to his resume.

“Man, I appreciate the boss and the comments he made at last nights press conference. Sounds like I have some massive options on the table, an athletes dream. Right now I need to get back to focusing on the task at hand. Despite what some of the casuals think, Stipe is really no joke. It’s crazy that we live in a world where you can go from the best heavyweight ever to washed up after a bad performance. The reality is Francis would’ve knocked out 98% of people on the planet that night, but somehow Stipe is washed up? Stipe not competing in so long tells me that he’s had plenty of time to heal and rebuild. Let me get back to focusing on the actual task at hand, that’s what got me this far. My focus, I do what others can’t.”

Man, I appreciate the boss and the comments he made at last nights press conference. Sounds like I have some massive options on the table, an athletes dream . Right now I need to get back to focusing on the task at hand. Despite what some of the casuals think, Stipe is really no…

— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 21, 2024

Jones also hasn’t competed in a while, and continues to tease potential retirement after he fights Miocic. Since returning to quickly submit Ciryl Gane and claim the vacant heavyweight title in January 2023, Jones was scheduled to face Miocic at UFC 295. However, when Jones withdrew due to injury, the promotion opted to create an interim title in his absence, which Aspinall won by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295.

The Jones vs. Miocic rebooking is yet to have an official date, prompting Aspinall to defend his interim title in the meantime. He made quick work of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July.