Stipe Miocic (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

We don’t know yet, when Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will fight. But, if and when the stars do, “Rampage” Jackson believes Miocic will reclaim the UFC’s heavyweight crown.

Jones was set to defend the heavyweight title against Miocic last November at UFC 295. But, the champion incurred a pectoral injury, which required surgery, and the fight was postponed.

More recently, Miocic appeared on the JAXXON podcast. While the topic of fighting Jones was discussed, Jackson outlined why he thinks Miocic will end the reign of “Bones” (quotes via MMA Fighting.com).

“I think you will be the first one to beat him,” Jackson said. “I just feel like he might not have a chin, based off the way he fights. He makes it so hard for people to get in close enough to punch him. His whole style was putting his fingers in your eyes and kicking your knee back — keeping you away from him. He keeps you at his length where he wants you. You’re a taller guy and you’ve got longer arms than most people he fights. I don’t think he can do all that to you.”

The former champ Miocic proceeded to agree with Jackson.

“One hundred percent,” Miocic said. “Also, too, just don’t let him dictate what he wants. That’s any fighter, not just Jon Jones. Don’t let them do what they want, because if you let them do what they wants, that’s the end of the road for you. You’re f*cked.”

The 41-year-old Miocic (20-4) hasn’t competed since March, 2021, when he lost the heavyweight title to Francis Ngannou via knockout. That defeat followed back-to-back wins over Daniel Cormier to close out their rubber match series.

The 36-year-old Jones (27-1), meanwhile, won the vacated heavyweight title in March, 2023, by quickly submitting Ciryl Gane. The former light-heavyweight champion’s only defeat to date came via disqualification in a 2009 fight with Matt Hamill.

Since Jones’ was forced to withdraw from UFC 295, he has repeatedly said he still wants to fight Miocic next.