UFC 309 is set to bring fireworks to the iconic Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024, as two of the greatest fighters in the history of mixed martial arts will finally collide.
In the main event of UFC 309, reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones faces the former champion and record-holder Stipe Miocic for the UFC Heavyweight Championship.
Alongside this titanic battle, a thrilling rematch between former lightweight champions Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler serves as the co-main event in what promises to be one of the most stacked cards of the year.
The Battle for Heavyweight Legacy: Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
Jon "Bones" Jones (27-1, 1 NC), widely regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound fighters of all time, will make his first heavyweight title defense since his stunning first-round submission of Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. This victory crowned Jones as a two-division UFC champion, adding to his already legendary resume. His move to heavyweight was highly anticipated, and after a dominant debut, fans were left eager to see him face the division’s best.
Enter Stipe Miocic (20-4), a two-time UFC heavyweight champion who holds the record for most successful heavyweight title defenses in UFC history. Miocic, known for his grit, cardio, and knockout power, has been the gold standard in the heavyweight division for years. This will be his first fight since losing the belt to Francis Ngannou in 2021, but the 42-year-old Ohio native believes he has one more championship run left in him. With a win, Miocic could etch his name in the history books as a three-time UFC heavyweight champion.
The fight between Jones and Miocic has been long in the making. Originally scheduled for UFC 295 last year, injuries sidelined Jones, forcing the bout’s postponement. Now, at UFC 309, fans will finally witness the highly anticipated showdown between the man many consider the greatest fighter of all time and the greatest heavyweight champion in UFC history.
Oliveira vs. Chandler 2: The Rematch That Could Shape the Lightweight Division
In the co-main event, former lightweight champions Charles "Do Bronx" Oliveira and Michael Chandler will meet again in a rematch that is sure to deliver fireworks. Their first bout, which took place at UFC 262 in Houston, saw Oliveira capture the vacant lightweight title with a second-round TKO after surviving a dominant first round from Chandler. That victory propelled Oliveira into UFC superstardom, but his recent struggles have left his title ambitions hanging by a thread.
Oliveira (34-10, 1 NC) is coming off two losses in his last three fights, including a recent defeat to rising contender Arman Tsarukyan. "Do Bronx" is eager to reassert his dominance and secure another shot at lightweight gold. For Chandler (23-8), this rematch represents an opportunity to avenge the heartbreaking defeat from their first meeting and vault himself back into the title conversation. The 38-year-old former Bellator champion is known for his explosiveness and tenacity, and he’s made it clear that he believes the fight with Oliveira is his best path to a UFC title.
With their exciting styles and histories of high-paced finishes, Oliveira vs. Chandler 2 is sure to be another barnburner, and the result could shape the future of the lightweight division.
Rising Stars and Veteran Showdowns on the UFC 309 Card
While the main and co-main events will take center stage, UFC 309 also boasts several exciting matchups that have fans buzzing.
Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig: One of the UFC’s hottest prospects, Bo Nickal, takes on Scottish submission specialist Paul Craig in a middleweight bout. Nickal, a former NCAA wrestling champion, is riding high after a second-round finish at UFC 300 and is eager to solidify his place among the middleweight contenders. Craig, a dangerous submission artist, looks to bounce back after a loss and prove he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
Anthony Smith vs. Dominick Reyes: Former title challengers Anthony Smith and Dominick Reyes will lock horns in a light heavyweight bout. Smith is aiming to regain momentum after splitting his 2024 fights, while Reyes, fresh off a highlight-reel knockout victory, looks to continue his resurgence and make another run at UFC gold.
Natalia Silva vs. Viviane Araujo: A high-stakes women’s flyweight bout between rising star Natalia Silva and top-ranked contender Viviane Araujo could determine the next title challenger in the division.
Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders: Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman will square off against hard-hitting Eryk Anders in a clash that could determine the future trajectory of both men’s careers.
The Return to Madison Square Garden
UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden, one of the most legendary venues in sports history, adds extra prestige to the event. New York City has hosted some of the biggest and most memorable fights in UFC history, and UFC 309 is poised to continue that tradition with its stacked lineup of talent. Mark your calendars for November 16, 2024—UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden will be a night for the ages!