UFC 309 delivered a night of unforgettable moments at Madison Square Garden, headlined by Jon Jones’ first successful defense of the UFC heavyweight title and the emotional retirement of Stipe Miocic. The event showcased dominant performances, strategic masterclasses, and thrilling comebacks across the card. Here’s how the night unfolded.

Jon Jones Dominates Stipe Miocic to Retain Heavyweight Title

In the main event, Jon Jones (28-1) solidified his place as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time with a spectacular TKO victory over Stipe Miocic (20-5) in the third round.

Miocic, making his return after more than 1,300 days away from the octagon, started strong, landing several sharp punches. However, Jones’ relentless attacks, including brutal leg kicks and ground-and-pound elbows, set the tone. By the third round, Jones shifted his strategy, targeting Miocic’s body. A perfectly timed spinning kick to the liver sealed the deal at 4:29 of the third round.

Post-fight, Jones hinted at potential superfights with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall or middleweight champion Alex Pereira. Miocic, a two-time heavyweight champion, announced his retirement, closing the chapter on an illustrious career.

Charles Oliveira Edges Chandler in a Gritty Lightweight Bout

In the co-main event, former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira (35-10) secured a unanimous decision victory over Michael Chandler (23-9). Oliveira displayed his versatile skillset, utilizing crisp combinations, takedowns, and submission attempts to control most of the fight.

Chandler, who hadn’t fought in over 700 days, showcased resilience, rallying in the final round to land significant strikes. However, Oliveira’s dominance in the earlier rounds, including cutting Chandler with elbow strikes, earned him scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 49-45. Following the fight, Chandler called out Conor McGregor, reigniting talks of a long-awaited showdown.

Bo Nickal Stays Undefeated Despite Criticism

Wrestling prodigy Bo Nickal (7-0) outpointed Paul Craig (17-9-1) in a middleweight contest, earning his first decision win. Deviating from his usual grappling-heavy style, Nickal opted for a striking-based approach. While this strategy confused fans—who chanted “overrated”—Nickal emphasized post-fight that versatility is key to longevity in MMA.

Viviane Araujo Halts Karine Silva’s Streak

Brazilian flyweight Viviane Araujo (13-6) showcased her endurance and precision in a unanimous decision win over Karine Silva (18-5), snapping Silva’s nine-fight win streak. Araujo capitalized on Silva’s visible fatigue in the final round, securing 29-28 scores across all judges.

Mauricio Ruffy Impresses Against James Llontop

In a catchweight bout, Centurion FC’s former GP Champ, Mauricio Ruffy (11-1) dominated James Llontop (14-5), earning a unanimous decision victory. Ruffy landed clean strikes throughout, dropping Llontop in the second round with a devastating left hand. Despite Llontop’s toughness, Ruffy’s pace and accuracy proved too much.

Prelim Highlights

• Jim Miller (38-18) submitted Damon Jackson in the first round with a guillotine choke, extending his record as the UFC’s all-time wins leader with 27 victories.
• David Onama outpointed Roberto Romero in a tactical lightweight fight, earning a unanimous decision.
• Marcin Tybura (26-9) defeated Jhonata Diniz via TKO after a doctor’s stoppage due to a severe facial cut sustained by Diniz.

Early Prelim Action

The night started with explosive finishes:

• Ramiz Brahimaj knocked out Mickey Gall in under three minutes.
• Oban Elliott delivered a third-round KO against Bassil Hafez.
• Eduarda Moura secured a unanimous decision win over Veronica Hardy.

The star-studded event included appearances by President-elect Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and UFC CEO Dana White. However, the night wasn’t without its setbacks, as the middleweight clash between Chris Weidman and Eryk Anders was canceled last minute due to Anders falling ill.

What’s Next for UFC 309 Fighters?

Jon Jones’ dominant performance leaves fans eager for his next move, with a potential clash against Tom Aspinall being the most talked-about matchup. Charles Oliveira’s victory reaffirms his position as a top contender in the lightweight division, while Bo Nickal continues to develop his all-around game. For Miocic, UFC 309 marked the end of an era, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest heavyweights in the sport.