UFC 309: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic and a Night of Epic Battles

UFC 309 has set the stage for one of the most exciting cards of the year, taking place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on November 16, 2024. With a lineup of seasoned champions, rising stars, and fierce contenders, the event promises electrifying battles across multiple weight classes. Let’s dive into the full fight card, notable moments from the weigh-ins, and what makes this card stand out in UFC’s storied history.

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The Main Event: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic for the Heavyweight Title

Jon Jones, the reigning heavyweight champion, faces one of his toughest challenges yet in Stipe Miocic, the former two-time heavyweight titleholder. This bout marks Miocic’s return to the octagon after a three-year hiatus, adding intrigue to an already intense matchup. The fight is pivotal for both men: Jones seeks to cement his dominance in the heavyweight division, while Miocic aims to reclaim his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history.

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At the weigh-ins, Jones weighed in at 237.6 pounds, lighter than Miocic, who came in at 248.6 pounds. Their weight difference has sparked discussions about how their contrasting styles will play out in the octagon. Madison Square Garden, known for hosting legendary combat sports events, provides the perfect backdrop for this monumental showdown.

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Co-Main Event: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler (Lightweight Rematch)

The co-main event sees former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira clash with Michael Chandler in a rematch of their explosive encounter at UFC 262 in 2021. Their first meeting ended with Oliveira securing a second-round TKO to claim the vacant lightweight title, a win that solidified his place among the division’s elite.

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Both fighters made weight at 155.6 pounds, signaling their readiness to deliver another memorable performance. Oliveira, known for his slick submissions and striking versatility, faces Chandler’s relentless pressure and knockout power. The stakes are high as both men aim to position themselves for another shot at the lightweight belt.

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Main Card Highlights

1. Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig (Middleweight)
   • Rising star Bo Nickal, a former NCAA wrestling champion, takes on veteran grappler Paul Craig in a middleweight clash. This fight pits Nickal’s relentless takedowns against Craig’s submission game, promising a technical battle.
2. Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva (Flyweight)
   • This flyweight bout features Viviane Araujo, a former title challenger, against Karine Silva, a dangerous up-and-comer. Both fighters bring striking power and athleticism, making this a must-watch contest.
3. Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop (Lightweight)
   • Although James Llontop missed weight by 1.2 pounds, his fight against Mauricio Ruffy remains on the card. Llontop’s failure to hit the 165-pound catchweight limit adds an extra layer of drama to this lightweight matchup.
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Preliminary Card Highlights

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The preliminary card at UFC 309 features an exciting mix of established fighters and prospects eager to climb the rankings.

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• Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee (Bantamweight)
  Martinez, known for his precision striking, faces McGhee, who is looking to make a statement in the bantamweight division.
• Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders (Middleweight)
  Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman steps into the octagon against Eryk Anders, in what could be a career-defining fight for both men. Weidman seeks to bounce back after recent setbacks, while Anders aims to climb the middleweight ladder.
• Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson (Lightweight)
  UFC veteran Jim Miller faces Damon Jackson in a lightweight bout. Miller, who holds the record for the most wins in UFC history, continues to showcase his durability and experience.
• David Onama vs. Roberto Romero (Lightweight)
  A matchup of explosive strikers, Onama and Romero promise to deliver fireworks in this lightweight clash.

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Early Preliminary Card Highlights

The early prelims are packed with intriguing matchups featuring promising talents.

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• Marcin Tybura vs. Johnata Diniz (Heavyweight)
  Heavyweight action kicks off with Tybura, known for his grinding style, facing Diniz, a dangerous striker making his UFC debut.
• Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj (Welterweight)
  Mickey Gall, a submission specialist, takes on Ramiz Brahimaj in a welterweight bout that could turn into a grappling showcase.
• Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott (Welterweight)
  Rising stars Bassil Hafez and Oban Elliott square off in a fight that could propel the winner closer to a ranked position.
• Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura (Flyweight)
  Hardy and Moura bring aggressive striking and grappling skills to this flyweight contest, ensuring an exciting opener to the event.

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Weigh-In Drama

While most fighters successfully made weight, James Llontop missed the 165-pound catchweight limit by 1.2 pounds. Despite the setback, his fight with Mauricio Ruffy will proceed, with Llontop forfeiting a portion of his purse to his opponent. Weight misses add a layer of unpredictability to fight night, as the additional weight could influence performance.

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Broadcast Information

UFC 309’s action-packed night will be broadcast as follows:

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• Early Prelims: 6:00 PM EST on ESPN+
• Prelims: 8:00 PM EST on ESPNEWS and ESPN+
• Main Card: 10:00 PM EST on ESPN+ Pay-Per-View

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A Memorable Night at Madison Square Garden

UFC 309 is shaping up to be a historic event in one of the most iconic venues in combat sports. From Jon Jones defending his heavyweight title against the legendary Stipe Miocic to Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler reigniting their rivalry, the card is packed with high-stakes matchups. Add to this a robust undercard featuring established names and rising prospects, and UFC 309 promises to deliver unforgettable moments for fight fans around the globe.

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