Stipe Miocic, one of the most accomplished heavyweights in UFC history, has announced his retirement following a loss to Jon Jones at UFC 309 in New York on Saturday night.
In a heartfelt moment after the fight, Miocic, 42, declared, “I have done.” I’m hanging ‘em up. I’m retiring.” Miocic’s decision comes after a third-round stoppage, following a barrage of strikes to the head and a spinning back kick to the ribs from Jones. With the loss, Miocic finishes his illustrious UFC career with a 20-5-0 record.
Jones successfully retained his UFC heavyweight championship with the victory, but Miocic’s career was celebrated by those in the sport. UFC president Dana White paid tribute to the Croatian-American fighter, stating, “He’s one of the greatest heavyweights ever. You can’t deny Stipe. Stipe is [No. 1 or No. 2] all-time.”
Miocic’s fight with Jones marked his first since March 27, 2021, when he lost to Francis Ngannou. Known for his incredible resilience and accomplishments in the cage, Miocic was a two-time UFC heavyweight champion. Having won his first title in 2016 by defeating Fabricio Werdum. He successfully defended the belt four times, solidifying his place as one of the greatest in the division.
However, Miocic’s reign came to an end in 2018 when he lost to Daniel Cormier at UFC 226. Miocic avenged the loss with victories over Cormier at UFC 241 and UFC 252 in 2019 and 2020, respectively, before losing the belt to Ngannou again in 2021.
With his retirement, Miocic plans to return to his roots as firefighter and paramedic in his home state of Ohio. Where he has long balanced his fighting career with his passion for public service.
Mio-cic’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of UFC’s most decorated heavyweights, leaving behind a legacy of grit, determination, and championship success.
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