Jon Jones despatched Stipe Miocic into retirement with a shocking again kick to the ribs and used a collection of blows to the pinnacle within the third spherical to retain the UFC heavyweight championship in entrance of US president-elect Donald Trump in the principle occasion of UFC 309 at Madison Sq. Backyard on Sunday afternoon AEDT.
Jones posed and performed to the group on prime 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 Companies 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 take pleasure in thrill of the fighters that all through the evening gave him props — together with Jones.
“I need to give a giant, large thanks to president Donald Trump being right here tonight,” Jones stated to a roaring ovation that bled right into a “USA! USA!” chant.
“I am proud to be an awesome American champion,” Jones stated.
Broadly thought of the very best fighter on this planet, Jones (28-1-0; 1 NC) was the aggressor from the beginning and landed a collection of photographs to Miocic’s head within the first spherical. Jones confirmed he has loads of combat left within the tank.
British heavyweight Tom Aspinall looms as the subsequent challenger for Jones. Aspinall gained a combat 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 principle occasion in a unification bout.
“So far as my future within the octagon, I made a decision that possibly I can’t retire,” Jones stated. “I do know that we’ve got choices.
Miocic (20-5) failed in his bid to win the heavyweight crown for a 3rd time and instantly introduced his retirement.
“I am carried out,” Miocic stated. “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 combat winners.
UFC followers wore pink Trump hats and a few waved flags emblazoned together with his picture throughout breaks within the motion.
AP
