One of Jon Jones’s longtime coaches is taking an ‘all hands on deck’ approach to the UFC heavyweight champion’s upcoming title defense at UFC 309.
Jon Jones will face former UFC heavyweight titleholder Stipe Miocic in the UFC 309 main event later this month. He returns to the Octagon almost two full years after capturing the then-vacant heavyweight title over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
Ahead of UFC 309, Jones has hinted at retirement on numerous occasions leading up to the Miocic clash. He’s cited a win over Miocic as the last thing he needs to complete his legendary run in the UFC Octagon.
But, a potentially lucrative clash with interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is in the mix for the Jones vs. Miocic winner. UFC CEO Dana White is optimistic he can convince Jones to stick around for the Aspinall fight if he defeats Miocic at UFC 309.
For a key member of Jones’s inner circle, he’s approaching UFC 309 as the legendary fighter’s last hurrah in the Octagon.
- READ MORE: Derrick Lewis coach shares update on ‘medical issue’ that forced heavyweight icon off UFC Edmonton
Coach Brandon Gibson approaching UFC 309 as Jon Jones’s fighting sendoff
Jones’s striking coach, Brandon Gibson, spoke about UFC 309 and his pupil’s future in an interview with MMA Fighting‘s Damon Martin.
“Whenever Jon’s ready [to retire], I’m right there with him,” Gibson said of Jones. “I’m approaching this one like it’s our last go, it’s our last rodeo.
“There’s nothing left for Jon to prove. I think he really wants this fight with Stipe. I think this fight will help solidify Jon’s status as that great heavyweight champion but it’s not something we talk about every night at the gym. We’re definitely all eyes on Nov. 16. But each time I go to a practice, I’m approaching it as this is my last camp. I’m giving it my all.” (h/t MMA Fighting)
Jones has worked with a heavyweight dream team ahead of the Miocic clash. He’s brought in grappling standouts Gable Steveson and Gordon Ryan, along with heavyweight boxer Joseph Parker, for his final UFC 309 preparations.
Tom Aspinall casts a shadow over Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Jones is undoubtedly one of the greatest UFC fighters of all time, and many believe he tops the all-time list. He’s earned wins over a flurry of mixed martial arts legends including Daniel Cormier, Lyoto Machida, and Alexander Gustafsson.
A Jones vs. Aspinall fight is a matchup that fans, pundits, and fellow fighters have called for in the aftermath of the Miocic bout announcement. Miocic hasn’t competed since a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou at UFC 260.
After Ngannou parted ways with the UFC last year, Jones’s win over Gane signaled a new era for the heavyweight division. But, his title reign could potentially be short-lived, if he decides to hang up the gloves with a win over Miocic.
While the Aspinall fight is still on the table, Jones ultimately controls whether or not the fight takes place. His performance at UFC 309 could determine Jones’s fighting future and a potential face-to-face with Aspinall.