UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones marked his triumphant return to the octagon with a third-round TKO victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, held at Madison Square Garden in New York. The win, Jones' first fight in over a year, was celebrated in front of a star-studded audience, including US President-elect Donald Trump.

A Dominant Performance in the Octagon

Jones opened the bout with a series of brutal body kicks that quickly put Miocic on the defensive. The former champion struggled to regain control as Jones took him to the mat, landing sharp elbows that left Miocic bloodied by the end of the first round.

While Miocic managed to recover some ground in the second round with clean punches and a more upright stance, Jones maintained dominance, dictating the fight’s pace. The decisive moment came in the third round when Jones delivered a devastating spinning kick to Miocic's body, followed by a barrage of strikes that led to the referee halting the fight.

The victory reaffirmed Jones’ status as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history.

Celebration With the President-Elect

Following his win, Jones celebrated with Trump’s trademark ‘YMCA’ dance, eliciting cheers from the crowd. He also handed his championship belt to Trump, saying,
"I’m proud to be a great American champion. I’m proud to be a Christian American champion."

Jones further led the audience in a “USA, USA” chant, emphasizing his gratitude for Trump’s presence and support at the event.

Trump’s Star-Studded UFC Night

Trump, a long-time supporter of UFC, attended the event with a high-profile entourage, including Elon Musk, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been nominated as Health Secretary. Former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, now tapped to be Director of National Intelligence, was also in attendance, along with Kid Rock and Trump’s sons, Eric and Don Jr.

The President-elect entered the arena to chants of “USA, USA,” accompanied by UFC chief executive Dana White. A video highlighting Trump’s election campaign played on the venue’s jumbotron, featuring the numbers 45 and 47, symbolizing his previous and upcoming presidencies.

Trump’s ties to the UFC date back decades, having hosted UFC events in their early days and frequently attending fights during his presidential campaigns.

A Post-Election Republican Gathering

The night felt like a celebration of Trump’s recent election victory, with his presence boosting the already electrifying atmosphere of the UFC event. Jones’ win and his homage to Trump further energized the crowd, making the evening memorable for both sports fans and political supporters alike.

Jon Jones Hints at Future Fights

Despite speculation about his potential retirement, Jones hinted post-fight that he is not stepping away from the octagon yet, leaving fans excited for what lies ahead in his illustrious career.

The event highlighted not only Jones’ dominance as a fighter but also the blending of sports and politics, making UFC 309 a landmark moment in both arenas.