Jon Jones despatched Stipe Miocic into retirement with a surprising again kick to the ribs and used a sequence of blows to the top within the third spherical to retain the UFC heavyweight championship in entrance of US president-elect Donald Trump in the primary occasion of UFC 309 at Madison Sq. Backyard on Sunday afternoon AEDT.
Jones posed and performed to the gang on high of the octagon in entrance of Trump, Elon Musk, picked by Trump to guide a brand new Division of Authorities Effectivity, and Robert Kennedy Jr, Trump’s alternative to guide the Division of Well being and Human Providers in his incoming administration.
Trump walked out to a rousing ovation in entrance of 20,200 followers simply earlier than the beginning of the pay-per-view card and appeared to indulge in thrill of the fighters that all through the night time gave him props — together with Jones.
“I wish to give an enormous, massive thanks to president Donald Trump being right here tonight,” Jones mentioned to a roaring ovation that bled right into a “USA! USA!” chant.
“I am proud to be an excellent American champion,” Jones mentioned.
Broadly thought of the perfect fighter on this planet, Jones (28-1-0; 1 NC) was the aggressor from the beginning and landed a sequence of pictures to Miocic’s head within the first spherical. Jones confirmed he has loads of struggle left within the tank.
British heavyweight Tom Aspinall looms as the subsequent challenger for Jones. Aspinall received a struggle for the interim heavyweight title final November within the Backyard. UFC CEO Dana White had promised Aspinall, who chatted with Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, would problem the winner of the primary occasion in a unification bout.
“So far as my future within the octagon, I made a decision that perhaps I can’t retire,” Jones mentioned. “I do know that now we have choices.
Miocic (20-5) failed in his bid to win the heavyweight crown for a 3rd time and instantly introduced his retirement.
“I am completed,” Miocic mentioned. “I am hanging ’em up.”
White captioned a photograph he posted on social media “the boys”, which featured him with Trump, Child Rock and Musk.
Trump pumped a fist throughout an occasional outbreak of “USA! USA!” chants. He was flanked on his front-row seat by White on his proper and Musk on his left and politely applauded the struggle winners.
UFC followers wore crimson Trump hats and a few waved flags emblazoned along with his picture throughout breaks within the motion.
AP
