Jones vs. Miocic still sells as many PPVs without UFC title

Despite the stakes, Demetrious Johnson considers Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic to be a significant fight.

Many have criticized UFC heavyweight champion Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) for choosing to defend his title against Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) instead of interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has fought six times since Miocic’s last bout, which was a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021.

“Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic doesn’t need to be for a belt,” Johnson said on the “JAXXON PODCAST.” “That’s a legendary fight between those two. It would still attract as many pay-per-view buys. I’m certain Jon Jones will receive the same pay whether he’s a champion or not, but I can’t control Jon Jones’ career.

“I’m not here to dictate what he should or shouldn’t do. As a fan, I would love to see Jon Jones fight Tom Aspinall. But if he chooses to fight Stipe because he’s a well-known figure, then go ahead, Jon.”

Jones was originally set to fight Miocic at UFC 295 before Aspinall entered the title picture, but he had to withdraw due to injury. Former two-time UFC champion Miocic is widely regarded as the greatest heavyweight of all time, but Johnson is concerned about how the period of inactivity will affect him.

“When I look at Stipe, he hasn’t competed in four years. The last time he fought, he was knocked out. How is his body holding up? It’s tough to be away from the fight game for four years. He’s accomplishing great things. He’s a firefighter, but it’s going to be very challenging.”

Jones’ first title defense against Miocic is scheduled for UFC 309 on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York.