Stipe Miocic is widely believed to retire after his upcoming fight with Jon Jones, even according to UFC CEO Dana White. White is so convinced of Miocic’s retirement post the canceled Heavyweight title bout that he considers it a certainty. Regardless of whether Miocic can secure his third undisputed championship against Jones, a showdown with the interim champion, Tom Aspinall, seems inevitable.
“Stipe is definitely going to retire after this fight,” White shared with Kevin Iole. “Jon Jones always seeks new challenges, moving up to Heavyweight. I’m not sure what Jones will do next, but it would surprise me if he doesn’t want to face Aspinall,” White added.
With the knowledge that Miocic, aged 41, will hang up his gloves following the Jones fight, the bout seems even more poignant, especially after his three-year break subsequent to a defeat by Francis Ngannou. However, White remains resolute, whether it’s regarding the match itself or Jones’ undeniable dominance in combat sports.
“These are facts,” White stated. “Jon Jones’ achievements are indisputable. If he defeats Miocic and goes on to fight and beat Tom Aspinall, his legacy as the greatest fighter of all time is sealed, regardless of personal opinions,” White concluded.
