Jon Jones defends his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. (Design: Hayden Hodge, Yahoo Sports. Photos: Getty Images.)
Uncrowned has UFC 309 results, live round-by-round updates, start time, and highlights for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight card on Saturday at Madison Square Garden in New York. Following a near two-year layoff, UFC champion Jones make his first defense of the heavyweight title against former two-time beltholder Stipe Miocic in the night’s main event.
Jones (27-1, 1 NC) and Miocic (20-4) were supposed to fight at Madison Square Garden in November 2023, however the bout fell apart due to a Jones injury shoulder.
Jones, 37, submitted Ciryl Gane in the first round of his most recent UFC appearance in March 2023 to capture the vacant UFC heavyweight title in his divisional debut. Prior to that, Jones was a longtime UFC light heavyweight champion who held the belt under multiple reigns.
Miocic, 42, likewise is a record-setting former UFC titleholder who steps in off a long layoff and holds the UFC benchmarks for most consecutive (3) and combined (4) heavyweight title defenses. Miocic’s most recent Octagon appearance came in a March 2021 knockout loss to Francis Ngannou, while his most recent win came in an August 2020 title defense to complete his trilogy with Daniel Cormier.
More from UFC 309
In the co-main event, lightweight contenders Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler collide in a rematch of their 2021 title bout, which saw Oliveira beat Chandler via second-round knockout. A three-time Bellator lightweight champion, Chandler (23-8) has not fought since a November 2022 loss to Dustin Poirier, in large part because of his failed pursuit of Conor McGregor. Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC) has split his two bouts since dropping the UFC title in October 2022, first beating Beneil Dariush with a first-round knockout then losing a narrow split decision to Arman Tsarukyan this past April.
The UFC 309 start time for the preliminary card is at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+. The main card begins live at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
Follow along with Uncrowned’s live UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic results and live blog below.
Main Card (LIVE NOW, ESPN+ pay-per-view)
UFC heavyweight title: Jon Jones (c) (-650) vs. Stipe Miocic (+425)
Lightweight: Michael Chandler (+200) vs. Charles Oliveira (-250)
Middleweight: Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Hard low kick from Oliveira connects first in the round. Chandler tries to jab to the body into the pocket. Punch combination on the entry for Oliveira pushes Chandler to the cage as he trips and gets chased down. Oliveira lands left hooks, bothering Chandler, who sprints away. Clean 1-2 for “Do Bronx.” Oliveira with a nice head kick and knee that Chandler somehow eats. Big swinging left hook from Chandler grazes. Far knee tap takedown from Oliveira lands him in mount against the cage. Nice elbows cutting through on Chandler. Dominant work from the former lightweight champion.
10-9 Oliveira. (20-18 Oliveira.)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 11:14 PM CST
Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler – Round 1
Early shot from Oliveira surprises Chandler and they land in an awkward heel hook position for Oliveira. Oliveira works from an odd half-half guard side control type position. No ground and pound, just working for position. Chandler punches lightly from the bottom. Control all for Oliveira to ride out the round with Chandler hanging on.
10-9 Oliveira
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 11:11 PM CST
Oliveira damn near flipped Chandler into a Boston Crab.
Co-main event up next: Michael Chandler (+200) vs. Charles Oliveira (-250) at lightweight
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:54 PM CST
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:52 PM CST
Not a lot of people had Craig going the distance with him. He was right in his prediction that Bo wouldn’t be interested in grappling with him. Didn’t do enough to stop him getting the nod though. https://t.co/3xcKTQjhVK
You can tell it wasn’t a good fight for Bo Nickal because the commentary has immediately shifted to ‘hey the guy just learned what MMA even is like a couple months ago.’
RESULT: Bo Nickal def. Paul Craig by unanimous decision (30, 27, 30-27, 30-27)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: (R-L) Bo Nickal of the United States of America punches Paul Craig of Scotland in a middleweight fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:49 PM CST
Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig – Round 3
Slapping right hand over the top lands for Nickal early. Craig continues seeking the head kick. Nickal hits the statue pose as Craig circles. Hard calf kicks from Craig followed by another blocked high kick. Nickal goes back to the overhand well but doesn’t quite get through. Massive double overhand left stuns Craig. No setup for Nickal on the overhands as he lets Craig recover. Quick calf kick from Nickal and another overhand. “Overrated” chants rain in from the crowd. Craig gets buckled by a late left hand as the fight goes the distance.
10-9 Nickal. (30-27 Nickal.)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:48 PM CST
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:47 PM CST
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:44 PM CST
I’m starting to think Bo Nickal is doing that thing where a grappler learns some striking and then forgets that it’s not his main thing.
Tom Aspinall walking by Jon Jones two Super Bowl Champion brothers while rocking the massive fur coat is too good. I wonder if Aspinall even know that they are related to Jon.pic.twitter.com/IaYSoKBp3P
Paul jabs into a head-kick attempt as soon as the action starts. Strong jab from Nickal. Nickal is seeking a big shot as Craig starts taunting him verbally. Body kick from Craig. Nickal lands a left to the body then two up high. Body jab from Nickal followed by a left up high. Nickal keeps targeting the body as another left lands. Craig is attacking with head kicks that are getting blocked, but making Nickal think. Solid left overhand for Nickal. Sneaky elbow grazes Nickal. Craig rolls with a big left straight from Nickal. Craig keeps kicking at Nickal’s guard. Left hand from Nickal connects again. Right-left lands for Nickal before the bell.
10-9 Nickal. (20-18 Nickal.)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:41 PM CST
Baffling that Paul Craig hasn’t shot for a takedown yet. It has to come soon or in the third round. #UFC309
First minute is a feeling-out process before Nickal lands a trio of calf kicks. Paul tries to return fire with one up high. Hard inside low kick from Craig. Big overhand right grazes from Nickal. Craig starts seeking head kicks to no avail. Nickal nearly lands a massive overhand left but it falls below the neck. Back-to-back hard leg kicks from Nickal. Good overhand right connects for Nickal. They trade low kicks. Paul tries to jab his way in and eats more overhands. No takedowns from Nickal. Round ends.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Karine Silva of Brazil and Viviane Araujo of Brazil trade punches in a strawweight fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:16 PM CST
Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva – Round 3
Silva gets in Araujo’s grill instantly, not slowing down at all. Takedown from Silva creates a wreckless scramble. Araujo finds an odd side control but gives it up and stands. Front kick from Silva lands. Ouch. Silva lands a leg kick with Araujo on the back foot. Araujo catches a front kick and pushes Silva over. Uppercut sneaks under for Araujo and takes a right straight to follow. They trade several leg kicks, Araujo catches another front kick to trip SIlva. She lets her up. Araujo with a front kick of her own. Left hand may have hurt Silva as she falls in the corner before getting let up again. Silva enters the clinch to land an elbow and knee. Silva tries to drag Araujo down, landing knees to the thigh. Araujo reverses with a headlock takedown to close the action.
10-9 Araujo. (29-28 Silva.)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:10 PM CST
Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva – Round 2
Nice combo starts the round from Araujo. Strong leg kick connects for Araujo as Silva runs in for a takedown. Silva gets one underhook, they jockey for a bit then break. Araujo starts breathing out her mouth more as her nose bleeds. Front kick up the middle from Silva as she lands three big right hands in a row. Silva takes Araujo down briefly before wall-walking back up. Nice inside trip from Silva lands her on top in full guard. Araujo throws up an armbar. Araujo extends, Silva rolls over, and escapes perfectly into side control. Araujo tries to transition and gets caught in a deep d’arce choke. Silva can’t quite torque the pressure with her legs and Araujo rolls to escape and take top position. She threatens with a kimura and some punches to close the round. Close, competitive round on the ground.
10-9 Silva. (20-18 Silva.)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:04 PM CST
Viviane Araujo vs. Karine Silva – Round 1
Silva controls the pace from the jump, backing up Araujo. Silva tries to paw her way into a clinch exchange but Araujo deflects. Leg kick lands for Silva as she tries to walk her way into grappling exchanges. Good right hand from Silva before she eats a heavy uppercut. Clean straight right down the pipe for Araujo. Left hand over the shoulder lands for Araujo. Straight right to the body from Araujo. Inside leg kick for Silva followed by two big right hands that hurt Araujo. Silva starts to get sloppy, seeking a finish. Bell sounds after a late takedown attempt.
10-9 Silva.
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 10:03 PM CST
Karine Silva is the real deal. Great to see her in this spot as she continues to climb the ladder. Viviane Araujo is never an easy out, though. Should be a good one at 125.
Next up: Viviane Araujo (+225) vs. Karine Silva (-275) at flyweight
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 9:44 PM CST
RESULT: Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 16: Mauricio Ruffy of Brazil punches James Llontop of Peru in a 165-pound catchweight fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 9:42 PM CST
Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop – Round 3
Ruffy’s jab remains on point. Llontop lands back-to-back body hooks. He starts going to that well. Big swings from Llontop into the clinch against the cage. Big hooks land for Ruffy in the middle after they separate. Llontop walks into the right hooks, bleeding from his eye. Left hook followed by a right from Ruffy touches Llontop. Llontop goes low then to the body with kicks. Llontop’s takedown attempts get stuffed easily. Leg kicks in succession from Llontop. Nice body kick into an elbow from Llontop leads to a clinch battle on the cage. Solid combo off the break for Llontop. Llontop gets blasted with a left in the final 10 seconds. Valiant effort down the stretch from Llontop but he can’t come out Llontop… zing!
10-9 Llontop, 29-28 Ruffy
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 9:35 PM CST
Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop – Round 2
Right leg kick instantly from Ruffy. Good body kick from Llontop finds a home. That jab from Ruffy is just money. Llontop pressures Ruffy to the cage but isn’t able to track down Ruffy. Llontop paws his jab and lands a leg kick. Boom. Massive hook from Ruffy drops Llontop, who somehow survives and gets up. Spinning wheel kick from Ruffy grazes. Another huge overhand right wobbles Llontop. The speed disadvantage is apparent now. A single-leg attempt from Llontop is thwarted and he eats another right hand. They trade leg kicks. Llontop, like the Terminator, continues to press forward as the round ends. Llontop’s eye is swelling badly.
10-9 Ruffy
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 9:29 PM CST
Mauricio Ruffy vs. James Llontop – Round 1
Ruffy starts the fight tall, drawing Conor McGregor comparisons from Joe Rogan. Body jab from Ruffy lands as they feel each other out. Solid jab for Ruffy connects. And again. And again, followed by a leg kick. Monstrous right hook misses for Ruffy. Llontop tries to jab his way in and switches to a leg kick. Another stiff jab for Ruffy as he eats a big hook to the body. Nice counter hooks land for Llontop in tight. Hard calf kicks land by Ruffy. Ruffy rolls with a long right straight from Llontop. Big left hook counter from Ruffy sneaks under and over Llontop’s arm. Jab again from Ruffy. Slapping right hand from Ruffy before a fadeaway left and another massive right that seems to stagger Llontop. Tornado kick attempt way too close misses for Ruffy. He lands a spinning back kick to the body before the bells sounds.
10-9 Ruffy
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 9:29 PM CST
This feels like some kind of terrible tattoo title fight.
Main card starts now! First up: Mauricio Ruffy (-750) vs. James Llontop (+525)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:59 PM CST
President-elect Donald Trump has arrived for UFC 309
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:56 PM CST
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:53 PM CST
RESULT: Marcus McGhee def. Jonathan Martinez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:51 PM CST
Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee – Round 3
Martinez starts seeking the leg kick early. McGhee fires back with multi-punch combos up high and ending with the body. Martinez connects with a big leg kick and hurts McGhee. This guy’s kicks are wild. Another one lands as McGhee switches stance. McGhee tries to punch his way in but his movement is hindered. Martinez unwisely clinches McGhee against the cage. They break and Martinez lands a kick again. McGhee hobbles. Nice right straight counters McGhee on the entry. McGhee gets on his bike as Martinez keeps seeking the low kick. Right hand connects for Martinez, but it’s too little too late.
10-9 Martinez, 29-28 McGhee overall
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:48 PM CST
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:45 PM CST
Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee – Round 2
Two high kicks start for McGhee but he misses. High-volume punches unload for McGhee, mostly blocked. Martinez eats some jabs and takes more leg kicks. Clean right hook counter lands for McGhee. Spinning back fist attempt fails for Martinez against the cage. McGhee lands a knee in the clinch as Martinez hits a hard leg kick afterward. Strong jab for McGhee. Martinez starts to find a home for his front kick. Big overhand left sneaks over the top for Martinez. Tomahawk elbow lands for Martinez. Strong close down the stretch for Martinez, but he’s still down heavily on the numbers. Hard jab for McGhee, Martinez connects with a heavy low kick. Horn sounds.
10-9 McGhee. (20-18 McGhee.)
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:39 PM CST
Jonathan Martinez vs. Marcus McGhee – Round 1
Toenail debacle before this one started. That’s new. Anyway, early kicks low and to the midsection land for McGhee. First outside leg kick lands for Martinez. Nice double left hooks from McGhee followed by a leg kick. Solid jab to the body for McGhee. McGhee continues working the leg as Martinez tries to find his range. Martinez is very patient with his volume. McGhee keeps chipping away with the leg kicks while throwing out double jabs. McGhee fires off a two-punch combo. Martinez lands a leg kick of his own and eats a left hand for his trouble. Round ends.
10-9 McGhee
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:27 PM CST
Up next: Jonathan Martinez (-105) vs. Marcus McGhee (-115) at bantamweight
RESULT: Jim Miller def. Damon Jackson by submission (guillotine) at 2:44 of R1
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:13 PM CST
Miller submits Jackson!
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:11 PM CST
Jim Miller vs. Damon Jackson – Round 1
Both men start the action swinging. They trade right hands. Nice push kick from Jackson throws Miller off balance before a single-leg attempt. Miller keeps seeking the right hook counter, just whiffing. Jackson’s front kick to the body remains consistent. Nice left straight connects for Miller. Jackson slips on a takedown and falls right into a picture-perfect Miller guillotine. No escape there. Jim Miller keeps on keeping on.
Sat, November 16, 2024 at 8:05 PM CST
Up next: Jim Miller (+110) vs. Damon Jackson (-135) at lightweight
