The heavyweight title clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic promises to be a fascinating battle of strengths, weaknesses, and adaptability
Daniel Cormier’s analysis sheds light on the intricacies of Miocic’s style, particularly his tendency to lower his left hand in the clinch — a vulnerability that Jones might look to exploit.
As Jones returns from injury with renewed focus, his unorthodox striking and clinch dominance could make a significant impact on the outcome of the fight.
However, Miocic’s experience, adaptability, and resilience ensure that he is a formidable opponent capable of capitalizing on any weaknesses Jones might show.
In the end, the fight will likely come down to who can impose their game plan most effectively, making this showdown one of the most eagerly awaited matchups in recent UFC history.
Also Read: Jon Jones Drops Major Fight Update, Announces November Date for Expected Stipe Miocic Clash
Table of Contents
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: Daniel Cormier’s Analysis
The highly anticipated heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic has fans and fighters alike on the edge of their seats.1
UFC Hall of Famer and former champion Daniel Cormier recently weighed in on the matchup, providing keen analysis and identifying what he sees as vulnerabilities in Miocic’s style that Jones could exploit.
In a recent ESPN MMA video with commentator Jon Anik, Cormier shared his insights on Miocic’s game, referencing his own bouts with both fighters to suggest potential turning points in the upcoming fight.
Here, we break down Cormier’s analysis and what it could mean for the outcome of this anticipated battle.
11/11. Veterans Day is a time to honor and thank all who have served and are currently serving our country.
This Veterans Day, @BornPrimitive is pledging all profits from their site to pay off $5 million in Veteran medical bill debt. Grab the new Betsy Ross and Don’t Tread On Me… pic.twitter.com/T3Qwzz7KL8
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) November 11, 2024
Background: Jones and Miocic’s Journey to UFC 309
Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, two of the most decorated fighters in UFC history, have long been slated for a showdown.
Initially scheduled to meet at UFC 295, the bout was postponed due to Jones suffering a pectoral muscle injury.
Now fully recovered, Jones is set to return to the octagon at UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden.
With the added time for recovery and preparation, both fighters are expected to be at their peak for the title clash.
Cormier, having faced both men in the octagon, brings a unique perspective on the fight. His insights not only draw from his technical knowledge as a former double champion but also from firsthand experience.
His analysis focuses particularly on Miocic’s tendencies during clinch exchanges, which he believes could play a critical role in Jones’ strategy.
Stipe Miocic: Experience with Cormier
A Decisive Clinch Exchange
Cormier first fought Miocic at UFC 226, where he captured the heavyweight title via a first-round knockout.2
According to Cormier, one of the key factors that allowed him to secure the victory was Miocic’s low left hand during clinch exits. This opening allowed Cormier to land a hard right hook, exploiting the position Miocic had adopted defensively.
Cormier highlighted this tendency as a vulnerability that Jones could similarly exploit, albeit through different techniques.
In the clinch, Miocic’s low left hand is intended to block an opponent’s overhand shots, but it leaves his right side exposed. “As Stipe and I would come together, I was finding a lot of success landing punches whenever he would exit [the clinch],” Cormier noted.
This observation underpins his prediction that Jones may have similar success if he exploits this vulnerability in Miocic’s defense.
Jones’ Unique Arsenal of Striking Techniques
Jones is widely known for his diverse striking skills, which include spinning back elbows, front kicks, and an array of creative maneuvers that make him one of the most unpredictable fighters in the UFC.
Unlike Cormier, who relied on traditional punches to counter Miocic’s low hand, Jones has an arsenal that could cause even greater challenges for the veteran heavyweight.
Cormier emphasized that while Jones might not have the same knockout power with a single punch, his unorthodox striking methods could create openings that Miocic may find difficult to anticipate.
Cormier explained, “There are different weapons [Jones] could use — elbows, spinning back elbows, all of those creative weapons that could be a problem.” These techniques, combined with Jones’ calculated approach, could give him the upper hand, especially in close-range exchanges where Miocic’s guard may falter.
The Importance of Clinch Work in the Heavyweight Title Fight
For Cormier, clinch work is a defining aspect of this upcoming title fight. The clinch, a position where both fighters are grappling and jockeying for control, allows opportunities for devastating strikes if one fighter is able to create an opening.
Jones has historically shown strong clinch control, and his height and reach advantage over Miocic could give him even more leverage in close quarters.
Given Miocic’s habit of lowering his left hand during exits, Jones might capitalize by executing elbow strikes or using his infamous spinning back elbow, which has disoriented opponents in the past.
If Jones can dictate the clinch exchanges, he could not only prevent Miocic from finding his rhythm but also inflict significant damage in the process.
Stipe Miocic: Adaptability
Stipe Miocic is no stranger to adversity, having defended his title multiple times against formidable opponents, including Cormier himself.3
While Cormier pointed out a possible flaw, it’s important to remember that Miocic has shown the ability to adapt and evolve throughout his career.
His resilience and high fight IQ have been instrumental in his success, especially in rematches where he has displayed tactical improvements.
For Miocic to counter Jones’ potential clinch offense, he will need to focus on tightening his guard and being mindful of his defensive positioning when exiting clinches.
If Miocic can adjust his approach to avoid leaving openings, he may be able to neutralize some of Jones’ more unpredictable strikes and keep the fight in his own control.
The Psychological Edge: Jones vs. Miocic
Beyond the physical skills and strategies, the psychological battle between Jones and Miocic is another layer to consider. Jones, despite his lengthy absence due to injury, is known for his supreme confidence and self-assurance in the octagon.
However, Miocic, as a battle-tested veteran, has a calm demeanor and an unshakable focus that have allowed him to thrive in high-stakes situations.
Cormier has observed both fighters’ mindsets up close and personal and likely considers mental fortitude an essential factor in this fight. Miocic’s calm and methodical approach could help him weather Jones’ attempts at controlling the pace and rhythm of the fight.
However, if Jones is able to assert himself early, his confidence could further erode Miocic’s ability to settle into the fight, giving Jones the psychological edge.
A Fight with Multiple Potential Outcomes
While Cormier didn’t make a definitive prediction, his analysis suggests that he sees Jones as having a slight advantage due to his variety of striking options and clinch control.
However, he acknowledged that Miocic’s durability and experience could lead to an upset if Jones doesn’t capitalize on his openings.
Cormier pointed out that while Jones may not necessarily possess one-punch knockout power, his ability to land repeated, damaging strikes could wear Miocic down over the rounds.
This makes the fight difficult to call; it could end in an early stoppage if Jones successfully executes his game plan or extend into the later rounds if Miocic withstands the initial onslaught.
The Impact of Venue and Crowd Energy
Taking place at Madison Square Garden, UFC 309 will be in one of the sport’s most iconic arenas, where the energy is known to be electrifying.
Both Jones and Miocic are experienced fighters who are used to performing under pressure, but the atmosphere at MSG might amplify the intensity of their matchup.
For Jones, who thrives on big moments, the crowd could serve as an extra motivator, while Miocic’s composure might allow him to block out the noise and focus solely on his performance.
Also Read: Jon Jones Reacts to Stipe Miocic’s Training Video: Is Deception at Play?
Stipe Miocic Apologizes to Jon Jones for Heated Remarks
In a surprising turn of events, former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic recently issued an apology to current champion Jon Jones for remarks he made in the lead-up to their anticipated fight.
The two fighters are set to face off in what promises to be a high-stakes bout for the heavyweight title. However, leading up to the fight, tensions escalated after Miocic made what he described as “heat of the moment” comments that didn’t sit well with Jones.
Here, we’ll look into what led to the apology, the fighters’ exchange, and the significance of this incident in the broader context of their rivalry.
The Build-Up: UFC 309 Countdown Stirs Controversy
- The controversy began during the UFC 309 Countdown episode, which provided an in-depth look at the preparations and mental states of both Jones and Miocic ahead of their heavyweight clash.
- In the episode, Miocic made statements about Jones that were perceived as disrespectful.
- Though the specifics of these comments weren’t intended as personal attacks, they seemed to strike a nerve with Jones, who quickly responded on social media. Jones’s reply highlighted his displeasure, and fans took notice of the mounting tension.
- Following the Countdown episode, Jon Jones took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to voice his disappointment with Miocic’s comments.
- Known for being active on social media and addressing rivalries head-on, Jones didn’t hold back, calling out Miocic for what he saw as unnecessary disrespect.
- His response drew attention, both from fans and from Miocic, setting the stage for a fiery exchange between the two.
- Jones has always been a proud champion, and the unexpected remarks from Miocic seemed to fuel his drive even further ahead of their fight.
Stipe Miocic: Fans Reaction
Divided Opinions on Miocic’s Apology
The incident and subsequent apology quickly became a topic of debate among MMA fans.
Reactions ranged from supportive to critical, with some fans viewing Miocic’s apology as an honorable move, while others criticized it as a sign of weakness.
Fans loyal to Miocic argued that his willingness to apologize demonstrated humility, a quality rarely seen in high-stakes fight promotion.
On the other hand, Jones’s supporters felt that Miocic’s apology lacked sincerity and questioned whether his remarks were indeed unintentional.
The Psychology of Fight Promotions: Do Heated Remarks Build Rivalries?
In the world of combat sports, verbal exchanges are often a strategy used to build anticipation and hype for a fight.
Fighters frequently use “trash talk” to promote their bouts, with the intent of generating more fan interest.
However, in this case, Miocic’s remarks seemed to have crossed a line for Jones. This raises an interesting question about the psychology of fight promotion: does genuine animosity build a stronger rivalry, or can fighters rely on respect and skill alone to create excitement?
Miocic’s apology brings to light a different approach to rivalry—one rooted in mutual respect, despite the competition. His decision to apologize suggests a belief that a fight can be just as thrilling without the added tension of personal disrespect, contrasting with the conventional “bad blood” narrative often seen in the UFC.
Also Read: Jon Jones Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth, Personal Life And More
