Jon Jones celebrates with Donald Trump after vicious UFC 309 title defence against Stipe Miocic
Jon Jones has cemented his status as the GOAT of mixed martial arts, producing a dominant performance to retain his UFC heavyweight title.
Taking on former champion Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 in New York, Jones unleashed a brutal body kick in the third round to seal the TKO victory.
The 37-year-old admitted it was tough to put down Miocic and paid credit to the most accomplished heavyweight in the company's history.
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"He's really good, he's really tough and durable," Jones said.
Jon Jones floors Stipe Miocic with a brutal body kick. UFC
"I was hitting him with some really decent shots and he kept coming forward … it was like fighting against The Terminator. Everyone knows that Stipe Miocic isn't the biggest heavyweight but he always comes in lean with great cardio shape.
"He doesn't react much to getting punched in the face."
Much of the lead-up to Jones' title defence centred around what he would do should he retain the belt, with interim champ Tom Aspinall waiting patiently in the wings or a potential super-fight with light-heavyweight champ Alex Pereira on the horizon.
While he didn't reveal where his future lies, Jones did confirm his career would continue and fight fans could expect to see him back in 2025.
Jon Jones celebrates after his win over Stipe Miocic. Getty
"As far as my future in the octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire," he said.
"I have some conversations to have with Dana [White] and Hunter [Campbell] … hopefully we'll give you guys what you want to see.
"We have options and I'll see what Uncle Dana wants. You guys will hear about it soon."
Jones (28-1-1) celebrated his victory by impersonating Donald Trump's iconic dance moves, before thanking the newly-elected president and handing him the belt.
Jon Jones shakes hands with Donald Trump and Elon Musk. UFC
"I also want to send a massive shout-out to President Donald Trump," he said.
"I'm proud to be a great American champion."
After the loss, Miocic confirmed he was hanging up the gloves and retiring from the sport after a stellar career inside the octagon.
The 42-year-old hadn't competed for the UFC in close to three years before falling to Jones on Sunday afternoon (AEDT).
