Stipe Miocic returned to the UFC Octagon for the first time in over three years this past Saturday when he took on Jon Jones in the UFC 309 main event for the heavyweight title.
Just 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 he hasn’t won a fight since 2020.
Despite that, the consensus greatest UFC heavyweight of all time was given an immediate title fight upon his return, which caused uproar amongst the UFC fanbase considering Tom Aspinall is the sitting interim champion.
Stipe Miocic retires 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 on in the fight, Jon Jones began to show why he is considered the greatest of all time.
The commentary team consisting of Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, and Jon Anik all made a point of how slow Miocic looked inside the Octagon, unable to cause Jones any problems.
After a strong first two rounds, Jones began to tee off on Miocic and midway through round three, he rocked Miocic with a huge right hand, wobbling him back to the cage.
The 37-year-old followed the former heavyweight champion to the cage and landed a hellacious spinning back-kick to Miocic’s body, sinking him to the ground and subsequently finishing him.
Following the disappointing performance by Stipe, the 42-year-old announced that he is finally retiring from the sport, hanging his gloves up on what has been a phenomenal career.
“I’m done, I’m hanging them up, I’m retiring, thank God,” Miocic emotionally stated following his loss.
- JONES RETIREMENT: Jon Jones makes definitive statement on retirement following KO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309
Jake Paul reacts to Stipe Miocic’s UFC retirement
With Miocic being one of the pioneers of combat sports from Ohio, fellow Ohioan, Paul, reacted to the 42-year-old’s retirement with a statement on X (formerly Twitter).
“Stipe Miocic is the greatest fighter from Ohio ever. Ohio we need to celebrate this man. Congrats on an amazing career brother,” Paul tweeted.
Following his recent win over Tyson, ‘The Problem Child’ sent a little shot toward 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 whole career. All these nut riders need to do their research. His TV show failed. Couldn’t sell 4K tickets in Dublin with that useless Irish boxer he’s promoting.
“And he’s not fighter’s first. He’s Dana first. Builds you up and tears you down. Now Conor McGregor is hostage. Free Conor,” Paul added.