There are rumors around the fight game that UFC 309 headliner Stipe Miocic may be in bad shape before a historic fight against Jon Jones next month.
Many believe Jon Jones is the best fighter in mixed martial arts history. However, when it comes to the heavyweight division, there has been no one better than Stipe Miocic. Over 18 fights in the company, the Ohio native has scored 14 victories and is a two-time heavyweight champion.
Related: UFC Tonight – Card details and latest betting odds for Saturday’s UFC card
Unfortunately for his long-time fans, he has not stepped inside the Octagon since March 2021. He already had a lot of wear and tear on his body from a 24-fight career, but once he returns to the cage he will also be 42 years old. That huge hiatus could lead to serious ring rest when he finally returns to action on Nov. 16 in a highly anticipated scrap against Jones.
However, top 10 heavyweight Curtis Blaydes claims he’s heard rumors about bigger problems for Miocic beyond just ring ruts.
- Stipe Miocic record: 20-4 (14 Knockouts, 1 Submission)
Stipe Miocic looking unhealthy before UFC 309 fight versus Jon Jones?
“Stipe has been off for so long, like rust; it might be a factor,” Blaydes told Inside Fighting this week [h/t Essentially Sports]. “That is something you’ve gotta think about. I have been hearing whenever Stipe shows up at an event, or press conference, or meet and greet, anything like that, he looks like he has a limp. Does not look healthy and looks smaller. I don’t know right now. Based on all that, I go with Jon.”
Obviously, it’s rumors and hearsay, but it is very worrisome nonetheless. Even in his prime Miocic would probably be an underdog to Jones. However, tacking on three years of inactivity, being over 40 years old, and not in peak shape just makes Jones an even steeper mountain to climb at UFC 309.
UFC 309 takes place inside New York’s Madison Square Garden on Nov. 16. The bout could very well be the swan song for both the future UFC Hall-of-Famers.
Related: UFC Rankings – Get a look at the latest ratings after UFC 307
