The heavyweight division has always been where legends are made or broken, and few know this better than Stipe Miocic. The firefighter transformed into one of the most dominant UFC heavyweight champions in history. Now, as he prepares for his showdown with Jon Jones at UFC 309, the 42-year-old finds himself wrestling with a question that’s perhaps tougher than his upcoming opponent: should he hang up the gloves?
In a conversation with Jake Paul, Miocic revealed that retirement isn’t exactly at the forefront of his mind. He is focused on his performance against Jones at UFC 309. How he performs in there will define whether he shall call it quits or stick around.
“I don’t know, man, after every fight I think about retiring. So we’ll see. Right now I’m just going to worry about the fight. I’m not going to worry about retirement until after the fight.”
Stipe Miocic hasn’t stepped into the octagon since his knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021. This three-year layoff would make most fighters rusty, but not Miocic. His day job as a firefighter has kept him sharp and humble.
For a man who’s balanced saving lives with taking souls in the octagon, Miocic’s approach to this career-defining moment is remarkably grounded. Whether he continues to compete or rides off into the sunset, his legacy as a heavyweight great is secured. The only question remaining is whether he will get the win at UFC 309 or go out with a loss.
Stipe Miocic Has Some Words Of Advice For Jake Paul
Miocic, the firefighting heavyweight legend, recently sat down with Paul. Fight fans and the YouTuber turned Boxer, got something valuable from the conversation: Wisdom from one of MMA’s most decorated champions.
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Stipe Miocic found himself in an engaging conversation about Paul’s potential transition into MMA. The Ohio native saw genuine potential in the YouTuber-turned-boxer. But he had some golden words for the ‘Problem Child’ if he wanted to have success in MMA.
“All it is, is being smart on the ground, not putting yourself in a bad position where you can get choked out or arm-barred. I think he’ll be fine. If he’s just smart, and listens to his coaches, I think he’ll do well.”
What makes this exchange particularly interesting is its timing. Both men are preparing for career-defining moments. Stipe Miocic is readying for his clash with Jon Jones at UFC 309, and Paul for his controversial boxing match against Mike Tyson. These athletes are competing just one day apart, each trying to prove their critics wrong in their own way.
