The UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on Saturday delivered an evening packed with high-stakes matches and dramatic moments. Headlined by Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, the fight card showcased some of the sport’s top talent across multiple weight classes, offering fans unforgettable bouts and shocking outcomes.
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: A Heavyweight Showdown
In the main event, Jon Jones retained his heavyweight title with a third-round TKO victory over Stipe Miocic. The fight marked Miocic’s return to the octagon since his 2021 knockout loss to Francis Ngannou. For Jones, it was another step in solidifying his legacy, following his heavyweight debut in March 2023 when he claimed the vacant title. Jones, now boasting a 28-1 record, joins the ranks of Henry Cejudo, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes as champions who have defended titles in multiple divisions.
The fight began cautiously, with both fighters feeling each other out in the first minute. Jones initiated his offense with a takedown and unleashed a flurry of elbow strikes that visibly shook Miocic. By the second round, Miocic’s corner urged aggression, but his efforts fell short. Jones maintained control, landing decisive strikes and a spinning kick to the rib cage that dropped Miocic, ultimately sealing the victory. Following the bout, Miocic announced his retirement, while Jones declared his intention to continue competing.
Charles Oliveira Outlasts Michael Chandler
In the co-main event, Charles Oliveira dominated Michael Chandler in a five-round lightweight bout. Despite an eye poke early in the fight, Oliveira demonstrated superior grappling and striking. Chandler showed flashes of resilience, landing some significant strikes in the fifth round, but Oliveira’s ground game and endurance secured him a unanimous decision victory. This win propelled Oliveira into the history books alongside Andrei Arlovski and Donald Cerrone with 23 career UFC wins. Post-fight, Chandler called out Conor McGregor, adding intrigue to his future in the division.
Bo Nickal Remains Undefeated
Middleweight contender Bo Nickal extended his undefeated streak to 7-0 with a unanimous decision win over Paul Craig. Despite the fight’s slow pace, Nickal’s calculated strikes and strategic control ensured his victory. Notably, Nickal shared a lighthearted moment post-fight, exchanging words with Donald Trump, who was in attendance.
Viviane Araujo Triumphs Over Karine Silva
In the women’s flyweight division, Viviane Araujo secured a unanimous decision victory against Karine Silva. The fight was a gritty battle, with both fighters trading control. Silva landed some powerful strikes early but appeared fatigued as the fight progressed. Araujo capitalized on this, maintaining a steady pace to emerge victorious.
Other Notable Performances
- Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop: Ruffy claimed a unanimous decision in a competitive catchweight bout. He delivered precise strikes that left Llontop visibly battered, earning praise from fans and notable attendees, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump.
- Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson: Lightweight veteran Jim Miller continued his historic run with a first-round guillotine submission, marking his 27th UFC victory.
- David Onama vs. Roberto Romero: Onama secured a unanimous decision win after a grueling three-round battle.
- Marcin Tybura vs. Jhonata Diniz: Tybura triumphed via second-round TKO after a series of vicious elbow strikes left Diniz unable to continue.
Celebrity Attendance and Final Highlights
The event also drew a star-studded crowd. President-elect Donald Trump made a grand entrance, accompanied by UFC CEO Dana White and celebrities like Kid Rock and Elon Musk. Other notable attendees included Kate Hudson and NBA star Karl-Anthony Towns.
Unfortunately, the anticipated middleweight bout between Chris Weidman and Eryk Anders was canceled due to Anders falling ill. However, the night’s action ensured UFC 309 was still a memorable event.
Streaming and Purchase Information
Fans unable to attend in person could stream the prelims on ESPN+ and purchase the main event via pay-per-view for $79.99. Held in the iconic Madison Square Garden, UFC 309 showcased the excitement and unpredictability that make the sport a global phenomenon.
With Jones reaffirming his dominance and other fighters solidifying their place in UFC history, the night left fans eager for what’s next in the octagon.
