UFC 309 Predictions: Can Stipe Miocic Upset Jon Jones in Epic Showdown

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UFC 309 Picks & Predictions

The highly anticipated UFC 309 is just around the corner, and fight fans around the globe are buzzing with excitement. With a main event featuring UFC heavyweight legend Stipe Miocic going head-to-head against the reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, we’re in for nothing less than fireworks.

Will the experience and grit of Miocic be enough to dethrone the seemingly invincible Jones? Or will “Bones” continue his reign with another dominant performance? Let’s break it down, fight by fight, set the stage for this historical card, and get you the best predictions and picks along the way. Buckle up, because UFC 309 is going to be one wild ride!

Can Stipe Miocic Actually Beat Jon Jones?

As the key question hanging over the entire event, it’s only natural to start here. Jon Jones (27-1, 1 NC) is quite possibly the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. Having dominated the light heavyweight division for over a decade, Jones made a flawless transition to heavyweight by dismantling Cyril Gane at UFC 285.

Stipe Miocic (20-4) isn’t new to big challenges either. The former UFC heavyweight champion is widely considered one of the best heavyweights the sport has ever seen. His brutal knockouts, legendary cardio, and combat smarts earned him two successful title defenses – the most in UFC heavyweight history. And let’s not forget: he’s the man who toppled Daniel Cormier twice in their epic trilogy.

So, can Miocic upset the odds and beat Jones? While never one to be discounted, Miocic faces an uphill battle here. Many believe that Jones’ reach and ability to control the pace of a fight will give him the upper hand. Here are the key factors that could determine the outcome:

  • Aging Fighter Advantage (?): At 41, Miocic isn’t on the sunny side of his career, whereas Jones, though now fighting at heavyweight, is still relatively fresh at 36. As good as Miocic’s chin and heart are, age and long layoffs can be unforgiving in MMA.
  • Jones’ Domination Style: Jones is a master of distance control, using his 84.5-inch reach and striking dexterity to stay out of range while picking his shots. His wrestling and grappling are top-notch, and we’ve yet to see a fighter truly able to neutralize his full skill set.
  • Miocic’s Cardio and Power: Miocic has incredible cardio for a heavyweight and has proven time and again that his hands carry serious knockout power. If Miocic can drag this fight into the later rounds, he might have a slight opening.
  • Prediction? Jones by Decision or a Late TKO. While Miocic’s technical abilities can make this a chess match, the odds are stacked in Jones’ favor. Expect Jones to maintain distance, neutralize Miocic’s power, and potentially overwhelm him as the fight progresses.

    Undercard Highlights: O’Malley to Shine Bright Again?

    While Miocic vs. Jones is headlining, UFC 309 is packed with tasty matchups throughout the card. One rising star everyone has their eyes on is Sean O’Malley. Coming off a phenomenal stoppage victory over Aljamain Sterling, O’Malley proved once again that his flashy techniques aren’t just for show – they produce results. O’Malley will be defending his title against a highly experienced Merab Dvalishvili, a relentless grappler who poses a real threat to O’Malley’s slick striking.

  • The Grappler vs. Striker Clash: O’Malley’s ability to maintain range and lure opponents into his dangerous counters is why he’s been a striking sensation. On the flip side, Merab has a relentless pace and some of the best takedowns in the division.
  • Prediction: O’Malley to win via KO/TKO in the third round. Expect a tough opening round for O’Malley as he fends Merab’s pressure. But if O’Malley can keep it standing and avoid being dragged to the ground, his precision and power could end things in spectacular fashion.

    Nailing the Perfect Parlay for UFC 309

    If you’re looking to increase your stakes for fight night, a smart parlay combining some of the fights on UFC 309’s stellar card can be an exciting option. Pick wisely and you could land yourself a nice payout. That said, predicting fights in MMA is no walk in the park. MMA math doesn’t always add up!

    So, let’s break down the most promising picks:

  • Jon Jones to win: As already mentioned, Jones’ fight IQ, reach, and all-round abilities will be heavily favored against Miocic.
  • Bo Nickal to continue his dominance: Nickal, the wrestling prodigy who’s burst onto the scene as one of Dana White’s brightest hopes, should cruise past his next opponent. Expect a spectacular finish or submission.
  • Khamzat Chimaev to make a massive statement: Since his UFC debut, Chimaev has bulldozed through competition with an unrelenting mix of wrestling, power, and aggression. This time, he’s facing a battle-tested opponent in Paulo Costa, who’s credible but not invincible. Prediction: Chimaev to win via submission.
  • Sean O’Malley over Merab: Betting on O’Malley and Jones in a double could pay off. While Merab may go the distance, Sean’s ability to outplay his opponents based on distance and cage IQ cannot be overlooked.
  • The Final Word

    All said and done, UFC 309 looks set to be another action-packed showdown that will undoubtedly deliver its fair share of surprises and magic moments. While the odds heavily lean towards a Jon Jones victory, nothing is certain under the bright UFC lights – especially when a future Hall of Famer like Stipe Miocic steps into the Octagon.

    In addition to that highly anticipated main event, the likes of Sean O’Malley, Bo Nickal, and Khamzat Chimaev are all poised to make waves. Taking a chance on some slight underdogs can certainly spice things up, but be mindful that heavyweights are notoriously unpredictable, and we have seen crazier outcomes in MMA history.

    No matter which way the results swing, one thing is for sure: UFC 309 will be talked about for years to come. So don’t miss out.

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