Dana White’s bold Jon Jones prediction in tatters days before UFC 309 as MMA legend leaves fans on tenterhooks again
JON JONES has seemingly once again flip-flopped on the prospect of retirement.
The former pound-for-pound king returns to the octagon early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.
Jones, 37, will make the first defence of the heavyweight crown he won last March against former two-time champion Stipe Miocic.
The Hall of Famer has for the best part of a year hinted that his clash with the former two-time heavyweight king will be his swansong.
But just a few days ago, as UFC bigwig Dana White predicted, he suggested he’d stick around for one last big payday against surging superstar Alex Pereira.
But the former long-reigning light-heavyweight champion has once again changed his tune.
He told ESPN: “You know I feel like I’ve been debating on whether I’m going to retire or not.
“I really don’t know if I’m going to retire or not.
“I feel like I’m basing a lot of whether I retire or not on my performance.”
Retirement is something also at the forefront of the mind of 42-year-old Miocic, who returns to the cage this weekend following a three-and-a-half-year hiatus.
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How to Watch UFC 309
The UFC makes it's annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
“I think every fight, I’m always preparing for my last one.
“I always thought about retiring after my first UFC fight.
“I say that all the time. Who wants to get beat up for 10 weeks, 12 weeks, come back and do it again?
“I say that all the time. Who wants to get beat up for 10 weeks, 12 weeks, come back and do it again?
“I love what I do and it’s fun. So we’ll see but right now my task at hand is Jon.
“That’s all I care about. That’s what I’m thinking about.”
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice