Jon Jones despatched Stipe Miocic into retirement with a surprising again kick to the ribs and used a collection of blows to the pinnacle within the third spherical to retain the UFC heavyweight championship in entrance of United States President-elect Donald Trump in the principle occasion of UFC 309 at Madison Sq. Backyard.
Jones posed and performed to the gang on high of the octagon on Saturday evening in entrance of Trump, Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy Jr.
Trump walked out to a rousing ovation in entrance of 20,200 followers simply earlier than the beginning of the pay-per-view card and appeared to bask within the thrill of the fighters that all through the evening gave him props, together with Jones.
Recognized by some within the blended martial arts world because the “Combatant in Chief”, Trump counts UFC President Dana White as an in depth pal and considers followers of the game a part of his political base.
“I wish to give an enormous, large thanks to President Donald Trump [for] being right here tonight,” Jones stated to a roaring ovation that bled right into a “USA! USA!” chant.
“I’m proud to be an excellent American champion,” Jones stated.
Trump did some dance strikes as his signature marketing campaign track, YMCA, performed over the loudspeaker. He finally sat down and talked animatedly to Musk.
Jones’s heavyweight title defence was his first struggle since March 2023, and the 37-year-old efficiently returned to the octagon after present process pectoral surgical procedure that postponed a gathering with Miocic at UFC 295.
Jones paid his respects to Miocic after the struggle, admiring his toughness.
“He’s actually, actually good,” Jones stated of Miocic. “He’s actually robust. He’s actually sturdy. I hit him with some fairly respectable photographs, and he simply saved coming ahead.”
Whereas Miocic opted to retire after the struggle, Jones plans to stay round at heavyweight.
“I’ve determined perhaps I can’t retire,” Jones stated.
