The MMA and boxing worlds are buzzing with excitement as we approach a blockbuster weekend. UFC 309, featuring Jon Jones defending his heavyweight championship against Stipe Miocic, promises to deliver a historic showdown. On the boxing side, Mike Tyson returns to the ring against YouTube sensation Jake Paul in a highly publicized bout. Here’s what went down during Ringside Report MMA’s in-depth discussion.
Join us live for UFC 309, starting with the main card on YouTube, Rumble, Twitch, and Kick at around 10 PM Eastern.
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: A Clash of Heavyweight Legends
The panel couldn’t overstate the significance of Jon Jones defending his title against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden. Host Dave Simon set the stage: “This could be the last dance for Jones and Miocic, two legends of the sport.” AJ D’Alesio and Fred Garcia chimed in with differing views on the matchup.
- Fred Garcia: “Miocic might be Jones’s toughest opponent at heavyweight. But let’s be real: Jones’ grappling game is on another level. Jones is primed for a submission win with Gordon Ryan and Gable Steveson in his corner.”
- AJ D’Alesio: “Stipe’s a beast. His wrestling was key in beating Francis Ngannou in their first fight. If anyone can weather Jones’ storm and land the big shot, it’s Stipe.”
Despite their admiration for Miocic’s career, all three hosts picked Jon Jones to win. Simon was confident: “Jones is the GOAT for a reason. I see him winning by submission in the first or second round.”
The audience was split. Some cheered for Miocic, calling him “the greatest heavyweight ever,” while others echoed Fred’s sentiment that Jones would dominate.
Each host’s pick reflects their expectations for the key fights on the UFC 309 card.
Rest of UFC 309 Main Card: Rising Stars and Veteran Showdowns
In addition to the main event featuring Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, UFC 309’s card offers some exciting matchups that promise to bring action and intrigue. Rising stars like Bo Nickal are set to test their skills against seasoned opponents, while veterans Chris Weidman and Jim Miller look to solidify their legacy with memorable performances.
Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler: A Lightweight Rematch with High Stakes
The co-main event sees Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler face off in a five-round rematch brewing since Oliveira’s TKO victory over Chandler at UFC 262. Chandler’s long-awaited return to the Octagon comes after a two-year hiatus, during which he was linked to a potential mega-fight with Conor McGregor that ultimately never materialized. With unfinished business against Oliveira, Chandler has his sights set on redemption.
- Fred Garcia: “Chandler’s been sidelined too long waiting for McGregor. He’s got power, and I think he’ll look to make a statement early on. I’m going with Chandler by KO in the second round.”
- Dave Simon: “Oliveira’s too technical. He has the reach, the striking, and that grappling edge. I’m predicting Oliveira by TKO in the third.”
- AJ D’Alesio: “Oliveira’s relentless pace will be too much for Chandler to handle. I’m saying Oliveira takes it by decision.”
Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig: Prospect Meets Veteran
The middleweight bout between Bo Nickal, a highly decorated amateur wrestler, and veteran Paul Craig is another fight to watch. Nickal’s grappling skills have drawn comparisons to some of the best wrestlers in MMA, and fans are eager to see if he can handle Craig’s submission prowess.
- Dave Simon: “Nickal’s wrestling is going to be too much for Craig. I don’t see Craig being able to keep up with that pressure. Nickal takes this one.”
- Fred Garcia: “Craig is tough, but Nickal’s a future contender. It’s Nickal’s fight to lose.”
- AJ D’Alesio: “Nickal, all the way. His wrestling foundation will carry him through this fight.”
Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders: A Test of Resilience
Former middleweight champ Chris Weidman returns to face Eryk Anders, bringing a wealth of experience into the cage as he attempts to bounce back from recent setbacks.
- Dave Simon and AJ D’Alesio: “Weidman’s resilience and experience make him the favourite here. We’re both taking Weidman.”
- Fred Garcia: “I see Anders pushing the pace and testing Weidman’s durability. Anders gets the edge here.”
Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson: Miller’s Quest for More Records
Jim Miller, a record-holder for the most fights in UFC history, takes on Damon Jackson, aiming to extend his legacy even further. Miller’s veteran savvy and submission game make him a constant threat, even as new generations of fighters emerge.
- All Hosts: Miller is the unanimous pick from the panel. “Miller’s experience and grappling will carry him through,” they agreed.
With matchups like these, UFC 309’s main card isn’t just about the headliners but also about the rise of future stars and the continued journey of fan-favourite veterans. Each fight offers a compelling storyline and promises to make this event memorable.
Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul: A Fight for the Ages or a Sideshow?
The return of Mike Tyson at 58 has drawn both intrigue and skepticism. A long-time Tyson fan, Fred Garcia, admitted: “I’m scared this could turn into glorified sparring. Tyson’s cardio might not hold up, but I still want him to knock Jake out in the first round.”
AJ D’Alesio brought a counterpoint: “Jake Paul is no joke. He’s evolved as a fighter, but let’s not kid ourselves—he’s not beating a motivated Mike Tyson if Tyson lands clean.”
Dave Simon played the realist card: “Tyson’s body has been through a lot. This fight might not live up to the hype. I see Jake Paul winning a decision, but not in a way that impresses anyone.”
The audience chat was a mix of nostalgia and realism. Comments ranged from “Tyson will show Jake what boxing really is” to “Jake’s younger and faster—he’ll wear Tyson down.”
UFC 309 Picks: The Panel’s Predictions
The panel shared their predictions for this weekend’s UFC 309 card:
| Fight | Dave Simon’s Pick | Fred Garcia’s Pick | AJ D’Alesio’s Pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic | Jones by Submission (R2) | Jones by Submission (R1) | Jones by Decision |
| Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler | Oliveira by TKO (R3) | Chandler by KO (R2) | Oliveira by Decision |
| Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig | Bo Nickal | Bo Nickal | Bo Nickal |
| Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders | Chris Weidman | Eryk Anders | Chris Weidman |
| Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson | Jim Miller | Jim Miller | Jim Miller |
- Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
- Dave Simon: Jones by submission, Round 2
- Fred Garcia: Jones by submission, Round 1
- AJ D’Alesio: Jones by decision
- Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
- Dave Simon: Oliveira by TKO, Round 3
- Fred Garcia: Chandler by KO, Round 2
- AJ D’Alesio: Oliveira by decision
- Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
- All hosts picked Bo Nickal to win, citing his wrestling dominance.
- Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders
- Split predictions: Fred leaned toward Anders, while Dave and AJ sided with Weidman.
- Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson
- Consensus pick: Jim Miller.
Audience Takes on Tyson and Jones
The live chat brought heated opinions on both fights:
- On Tyson: “Even at 58, Tyson’s power is no joke. Jake better be ready for those body shots.”
- On Jones: “He’s unbeatable. He’ll cement his legacy even further if he gets past Stipe.”
The hosts and audience agreed this weekend could mark pivotal moments in combat sports history.
Key Takeaways
- Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic headlines UFC 309, with Jones as the favourite for a submission win.
- The Tyson vs. Jake Paul boxing match is a spectacle, with opinions divided on its legitimacy as a competitive fight.
- The Ringside Report panel offered bold predictions, sparking lively debate among fans.
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