Miocic's preparation crucial as Jones poses daunting challenge in UFC showdown
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The highly awaited fight between former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic and recently crowned light heavyweight king Jon Jones has been made official for UFC 295, which is scheduled to take place on November 11 at venerable Madison Square Garden in New York City. Jones’ callout of Miocic and months of negotiations have finally led to this exciting showdown. Dominick Cruz, a former bantamweight champion, noted that there are issues with Miocic’s preparation for the fight and training. With Miocic’s firefighting responsibilities and a devastating loss in his last bout, doubts are emerging about his level of preparation for the formidable challenge ahead.
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Stipe Miocic is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight champions in UFC history. However, since his knockout loss to Francis Ngannou in March 2021, Miocic has been on a hiatus from competition. Miocic will be 41 years old when he takes against Jones, making it uncertain whether he can continue to perform at a high level at this point in his career. While his achievements speak for themselves, his recent defeat and extended break from the Octagon have left some wondering if he can recapture his past glory.
Cruz’s concerns hold weight, given that Miocic is gearing up to confront Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the most dominant fighters in MMA history. Jones’s skill set, size, and overall fighting acumen pose a daunting challenge for any opponent. Miocic’s ability to effectively train and focus solely on this high-profile bout becomes paramount, as the margin for error against Jones is minimal.
Cruz also noted that Miocic had previously been known for his consistent training and fighting activity. The question is if Miocic has been able to maintain the same level of energy and attention to his art despite taking a break from competition and firefighting duties. The former champion’s preparations leading up to the fight remain somewhat of a mystery, leaving fans and analysts curious about the extent of his training.
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