Several combat sports legends are scheduled to fight this weekend, and most won’t be in Texas for the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson event on Friday.
UFC 309 happens the following night at Madison Square Garden in New York, where Jon Jones, the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, takes on Stipe Miocic, the most accomplished heavyweight in the sport’s history.
Here are 20 things you should know about UFC 309.
When, Where and What Venue
UFC 309 will take place on November 16, 2024, at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event will be streamed on ESPN+ PPV.
UFC 309 Main Event
Jones and Miocic is a matchup that many have longed to see, but by many accounts, it might be happening at the wrong time. Nonetheless, Jones will add another notch to his impressive belt with a win. Miocic could become the first man to defeat Jones legitimately, adding an unquestionable feather to his cap.
Jon Jones’ Heavyweight Reign
Jones defended the light heavyweight championship 11 times against the best in his division throughout his era. Saturday’s clash will mark the first time Jones has defended the title he won when he submitted Ciryl Gane in March 2023. The title was vacated by Francis Ngannou, who left the promotion as champion before signing with the Professional Fighters League.
Stipe Miocic’s Return
Miocic hasn’t fought since March 2021, when he was savagely knocked out by Ngannou, losing the heavyweight title. If he wins, he’ll become UFC’s second three-time heavyweight champion. Randy Couture also won the title three times.
Fighter Layoffs
The combined layoffs for Jones (20 months) and Miocic (44 months) are five-plus years. That’s the most extended combined layoff in the history of the UFC heavyweight championship. The long layoffs add to the uncertainty about the outcome, though Jones is a massive favorite.
Decorated Backup
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall will serve as the official backup for Jones or Miocic. If either man cannot compete, Aspinall would step in to take his place.
However, that’s a sticky situation. If Jones or Miocic fell off the card for whatever reason, it is unclear if either man would go through with a fight with Aspinall. In which case, Aspinall would be elevated from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion.
Co-Main Event Rematch
The co-main event isn’t a title bout, but it is a five-round lightweight rematch between former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and former Bellator champion Michael Chandler.
Their first fight happened at UFC 262 in May 2021. After a slow start, Oliveira got the win via second-round TKO. Both men have plans to chase the 155-pound title in 2025. Winning on Saturday is vital in either man accomplishing their goal.
Chandler is Done Waiting on McGregor, For Now
Chandler hasn’t fought since November 2022. He’s spent most of that time waiting for a fight with Conor McGregor.
Because that never happened, Chandler is moving on with his career, and that starts with a clash with Oliveira. However, Chandler vows to fight McGregor in 2025.
Oliveira is Looking to Bounce Back
Oliveira is coming off a loss to Arman Tsarukyan in April. Had Oliveira won, he could rematch UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. A loss to Chandler would be devastating for Oliveira at this career stage.
Bo Nickal’s Return
Middleweight super-prospect Bo Nickal returns to the Octagon. The undefeated American will get a test from an experienced opponent who may be one of the few with a ground game capable of competing with the accomplished amateur wrestler.
The UFC has built Nickal slowly but surely, and a win over Craig would likely mean that the former will be matched with a ranked opponent in his next fight.
Bo Nickal’s Streak
Nickal didn’t enter the UFC with much experience from independent promotions. Still, he’s done nothing but win impressively since he broke into the UFC on the Dana White Contender Series with two submission wins in 2022.
Nickal is 6-0 in the UFC, and the 28-year-old might be the fastest-rising young star in the promotion.
Top-10 Women’s Flyweight Clash
A huge fight is scheduled on the card in the UFC’s women’s flyweight division. No. 5 Karine Silva will try to run her win streak to ten in a row against No. 9 Viviane Araujo.
If Silva wins, she’ll put herself in a position to move one step closer to a title shot. It would make sense for her to face Erin Blanchfield next, with the winner getting a title shot during their next outing.
Chris Weidman’s Comeback Continues
Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman is continuing his comeback following severe leg injuries. Weidman snapped a two-fight losing streak with a win over Bruno Silva in March.
He’ll try to make it two in a row with a win over Eryk Anders.
Jim Miller Will Set Another Record
Jim Miller is set to compete in the 57th MMA bout of his career. The 41-year-old will push his record for most UFC fights to 45. Miller’s longevity is remarkable. He’ll face another aging veteran in Damon Jackson.
Potential Retirements
Because of the circumstances with multiple fighters, UFC 309 could turn into a retirement party. Jones and Miocic said they were unsure if they would fight beyond Saturday.
So, there is a possibility you could see a double retirement following the main event. Miller and Weidman could theoretically call it a career–especially if they lose.
Other Fighters to Watch
Mauricio Ruffy is one of the most dynamic newcomers in the UFC.
The Brazilian hails from the fast-emerging Fighting Nerds camp and he has some definite McGregor vibes with his striking. Ruffy carries enormous star potential. He faces James Llontop in a fight that will open the pay-per-view.
Fighters Who Might Need to Win to Avoid Being Cut
Jackson is facing an aging legend in Miller, but he is 36, and he’s lost three of his last four fights. If he loses to Miller, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him released sometime next week.
Mickey Gall might also be on dangerous ground. He is on a three-fight losing streak. The 32-year-old is 7-6 overall, and his most significant career wins came over CM Punk and Sage Northcutt. Gall faces Ramiz Brahimaj, and the former needs a win.
UFC 309 Full Card
Here is a look at the full card scheduled for MSG.
Main Card (ESPN+ PPV at 10 p.m. ET)
- Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
- Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
- Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
- Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva
- Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop
Prelims (ESPNews/FX/Hulu/ESPN+ at 8 p.m. ET)
- Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee
- Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
- Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson
- David Onama vs. Roberto Romero
Early Prelims (ESPN+/Hulu/UFC Fight Pass at 6 p.m. ET)
- Marcin Tybura vs. Jhonata Diniz
- Mickey Gall vs. Ramiz Brahimaj
- Bassil Hafez vs. Oban Elliott
- Veronica Hardy vs. Eduarda Moura
Ticket Availability
As of early Thursday morning, tickets for UFC 309 were available. Prices ranged from $384 to $6784 for floor seats on Vivid Seats.
President Trump Expected to Attend
Newly elected President Donald Trump is expected to attend UFC 309. Trump has attended several UFC events over the years, but this would be his first since winning the most recent election.
Be on the lookout for fight coverage culminating with post-event coverage.
