UFC 309 Recap Jones vs. Miocic – What Went Down Last Night?

UFC 309 Recap: Jones Dominates Miocic, Oliveira Outlasts Chandler, and More Highlights

Last night (Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024), the UFC made its return to the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City for UFC 309. On paper, the event promised fireworks with the returns of Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. But if we’re being honest, the buzz surrounding this card wasn’t as loud as some might have expected. Interim champion Tom Aspinall wasn’t even fighting, yet he seemed to be the talk of the town. Still, the main event and an exciting array of matchups made this card one to remember. Let’s dive into the best performances and technical breakdowns from UFC 309.

---

Jon Jones Walks Through Stipe Miocic

This is the fight most of us were expecting, at least to some degree. Jon Jones, arguably the greatest of all time, faced off against the legendary Stipe Miocic in a heavyweight clash for the ages. From the opening moments, Miocic showed he wasn’t just there to be a punching bag—he tagged Jones early with a well-timed cross after Jones threw a less-than-ideal left hand, stumbling forward awkwardly.

For a brief second, you could almost feel the optimism in the air. Could Miocic pull off the upset? Well, that optimism quickly faded. Jones shook off the early setback and went to work with his signature striking, launching a brutal left body kick that visibly sapped Miocic’s energy. From there, it felt like the fight was heading into familiar territory. We were transported back to 2011, the peak of “Bones” Jones, when his clinch trips and relentless elbows overwhelmed Miocic, who was battered into submission.

Miocic entered the second round hurt and slow, struggling to keep up with Jones’ pace. The former champ looked every bit of his age, with Jones using a sharp jab, heavy kicks, and well-timed distance strikes to maintain control. Miocic, though a warrior, was outclassed. Jones never needed to return to his wrestling because the damage was done. A spinning back kick from Jones finally crumpled Miocic, and the fight was over.

Jones is now the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, and while many are still clamoring for a fight between him and interim champ Tom Aspinall, it’s hard to find much fault in Jones’ performance. The fight was clinical, and his victory was undeniable.

---

Charles Oliveira Dismantles Michael Chandler

Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira did exactly what he does best—dominate in the grappling department—taking Michael Chandler to school over four rounds.

Chandler, who entered the Octagon as a powerful wrestler, was quickly overwhelmed by Oliveira’s diverse striking and relentless pace. Oliveira didn’t just show his usual sharp jabs and slick elbows; he made Chandler react to every movement, whether it was a front kick, low kick, or a jump knee. Chandler couldn’t get any rhythm going, constantly fighting with his back against the fence, and it was clear from the start that Oliveira was in control.

What truly impressed, however, was Oliveira’s wrestling. Time and again, he shut down Chandler’s attempts to fight from the outside and closed the distance, chaining together takedowns and advancing to dominant positions. By the time the fight reached the later rounds, Chandler was scrambling, desperately trying to land something explosive, but Oliveira was too composed.

In the fifth round, Chandler managed to stun Oliveira with a huge overhand right, briefly putting the Brazilian in trouble. But Oliveira showcased his championship heart, surviving the storm and even taking Chandler’s back in the final moments. The fight ended with Oliveira securing yet another dominant win.

Oliveira’s title aspirations remain strong, even as he’s been pushed a bit slower since his first fight with Islam Makhachev. A rematch with Makhachev seems inevitable, but Oliveira is definitely in the driver’s seat for another crack at the belt.

---

Lightweight Action: Mauricio Ruffy Shines, But Has Room to Grow

Mauricio Ruffy, as UFC color commentator Joe Rogan pointed out, bears a striking resemblance to a young Conor McGregor—not just in appearance but in his striking style, fluid movement, and relaxed demeanor. Ruffy looked untouchable in the first two rounds against James Llontop, landing a series of brutal overhands and a no-look left hook that made Llontop’s face look like a battlefield.

But the comparisons to McGregor aren’t all flattering. Like McGregor in his prime, Ruffy’s output began to fade in the third round. While Llontop was too battered to capitalize on Ruffy’s fatigue, he did manage to land some clean strikes, making the final round a bit more competitive. In the end, Ruffy got the decision victory, but it was clear that his high-output style needs refinement if he wants to hang with the top-tier Lightweights in the UFC.

---

Jim Miller Does It Again

In a fight that could have easily slipped under the radar, Jim Miller proved once again that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, even as he nears his 40s. Facing Damon Jackson, Miller showcased a blend of sharp striking and top-tier grappling. After a back-and-forth exchange on the feet, Jackson decided to take the fight to the ground—but walked right into Miller’s trap, as the veteran locked up a guillotine choke.

This victory marked Miller’s fourth UFC win via guillotine, cementing his place as one of the best to ever do it. He’s won three of his last four fights and continues to be a dangerous opponent for anyone at lightweight. As for Jackson, the 33-year-old fighter left his gloves in the cage after the loss, signaling his intent to retire. A true veteran of the sport, Jackson leaves behind a solid legacy.

---

Additional Notes from UFC 309:

• Marcin Tybura vs. Jhonata Diniz: Tybura won by second-round doctor stoppage after Diniz landed an early knockdown. Despite the early setback, Tybura showcased his grappling skills, executing a brilliant x-guard sweep to take control. At 39 years old, Tybura continues to impress with his technique and experience.
• Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Mickey Gall: Brahimaj pulled off a stunning first-round knockout to earn the first KO of his career. His boxing was sharp, and he took advantage of Gall’s mistakes, landing a perfectly timed overhand right that knocked Gall out cold.
• Oban Elliott vs. Bassil Hafez: Elliott dominated this fight from the start, using a strong striking game to keep Hafez at bay. The fight ended in the third round with Elliott landing a crisp overhand right that sealed the win via knockout. Elliott now has three consecutive victories inside the Octagon.

---

UFC 309 may not have been as highly hyped as some previous events, but it delivered with exciting matchups, incredible performances, and unforgettable moments. Jon Jones reaffirmed his place as one of the sport’s greatest, Oliveira proved why he’s a top contender in the lightweight division, and the lightweights provided plenty of action for the fans. All in all, another fantastic night of UFC action!