New York’s iconic Madison Square Garden hosts the undisputed heavyweight championship of the world on Saturday night, and yet the matchup is being heavily disputed. MMA’s greatest of all time (GOAT), Jonny ‘Bones’ Jones, faces the UFC’s most successful heavyweight, Stipe Miocic, in a fight that, already delayed 12 months, is actually starting to taste past its sell by date. Jones, the former light-heavyweight king and holder of the most world title wins in UFC history, has fought just once in nearly five years, albeit capturing the vacant heavyweight crown with a first-round victory.

Similarly, Stipe, who made a record four successful defences of the belt during his two-stint reign, has now been inactive since being knocked out by Francis Ngannou in 2021. Last year Jones-Miocic made so much sense, but 12 months is a long time in sports and right now there is a new champion that’s likely more deserving of the opportunity. Tom Aspinall has won eight fights since joining the UFC in 2020, seven inside the opening round, and won and defended the interim heavyweight belt in the process. But despite building the promotion on the back of the best fighting the best every time, the UFC is determined to get the legacy fight of Jones–Miocic over the line, despite Aspinall’s emergence.

LEGACY FIRST

Jones, 37, is the recognised GOAT after claiming the light-heavyweight belt at just 23 years old, then going on to defend that crown against a Who’s Who of generational stars. He won 15 consecutive title fights from 2011 to 2020 and redefined what a mixed martial artist was capable of inside the Octagon with his elite fight IQ, outstanding grappling and creative striking. After a three-year hiatus to rebuild his six-four frame into a true heavyweight, he defeated Cyril Gane by submission in just two minutes in March last year to add a second weight class belt to his CV. However, the vacant belt had been dropped by Ngannou, who quit MMA for boxing. To Truly establish a heavyweight reign, Jones needs Miocic. The Independence, Ohio native dominated the heavyweight division from 2016 to 2020, enjoying two stints as champion and making four successful defences. Stipe has won more performance bonuses than any heavyweight in history too, defeated five former champions, and is rightly appropriated as the greatest heavyweight in the sport. But, like Jones, Miocic has been incredibly inactive. Both fighter’s best days are likely behind them. They meet one another at a time in their careers when it’s not a case of will they retire soon, but will it be on Saturday night? For Jones’ GOAT status, taking the scalp of the most successful heavyweight is essential. Should he win Saturday the debate, for some, will be over. Likewise, defeating Jones would be the crowning moment in the career of Miocic. This fight is for history and legend over any title belt.

INACTIVITY

Predicting the outcome is difficult due to the lack of current data. Inactivity at this age, even for heavyweights, rarely aids performance. Miocic is easily the biggest puncher Jones will have faced in his career. He’s also got the wrestling chops to stop Jones form dominating the geography of the fight, like he did against Gane. But Bones is also unlike any opponent Stipe has faced before. He’s incredible in every department, gifted creatively and ruthless when the opportunity affords itself. Aspinall is here and will be cageside on Saturday night hoping the victor looks his way. But Jones has never been one to take unnecessary risks; there’s a reason why 42-year-old Miocic is a far easier proposition than the current interim champion in 2024. And whilst Miocic is big enough and strong enough to survive some tough moments. Ultimately Jones’ skillset and own heart will come through its final test… And still, Jon Bones Jones, the disputed UFC heavyweight champion of the world. TIP: Jones on Points

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