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It began with a cartwheel and ended with the UFC heavyweight title wrapped around his waist.

Another successful night for Jon Jones as he comfortably beat Stipe Miocic to round off UFC 309.

Jones had flirted with retirement, something Miocic has opted to accept, but instead suggested he's sticking round with Tom Aspinall now likely his next opponent in an undisputed bout.

Thanks for joining us and if you missed any of the action then make sure to check out Paul Battison's cage-side report.

• Read the full report here.

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Tom Aspinall is not the only one with eyes on the UFC heavyweight champion.

Jon Jones is a man in demand.

Former UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling on X: "Hats off to an amazing guy in Stipe! Still the greatest Heavyweight of All-Time to do it!"

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Stipe Miocic was always likely to be up against it tonight, even with his vast experience and incredible record in the UFC.

But the 42-year-old just didn't look the same up against Jon Jones.

It's understandable, Miocic was back in the octagon for the first time since March 2021 and his body just wouldn't perform in the way he wanted it to.

Miocic has subsequently confirmed he is calling it a day as a mixed martial artist, something he would likely have done last year if his original date with Jones had not been postponed due to an injury sustained by the champion.

He might be heading off with back-to-back defeats against Jones and Francis Ngannou but it's his body of work that must be taken into account when considering his legendary status in the sport.

With the most combined heavyweight title defences in UFC history (4) and most knockouts in UFC heavyweight title fights (4), Miocic is on his way to the UFC Hall of Fame.

PFL fighter Derek Brunson on X: "Jones vs Aspinall!!! Only move. Somehow Francis Ngannou needs to fit in this equation! Dallas Stadium. Co promote, make it big!"

Heavyweight champion Jon Jones spoke about setting up a bout with light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira earlier in fight week.

But there's one man I think we all want him to face and that man is the owner of the interim heavyweight belt... Tom Aspinall.

Thumbs up if you want to see Jones v Aspinall or thumbs down for Jones v Pereira.

Waiting for good news...

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Hearing good news!

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Stipe Miocic, speaking on TNT Sports: "It sucked I lost. I knew he was one of the best of all time. I came strong. I felt good. I was blocking and he caught me in the ribs.

"I expected nothing, I just didn't do what I was suppose to do. Congratulations to him. He did what he was supposed to and he won. Only wish the best for him."

On what is next: "I'm done. I'm hanging them up. I'm retiring, thank God."

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Jon Jones retains his heavyweight title and has just dispatched of one of the best to ever compete in the division in devastating fashion.

It's another feather in the cap of a legend of the sport and surely now ends any debate over whether he is the GOAT (greatest of all time).

Victory has extended his UFC record of wins in title fights to 16.

Jones' legacy was secured long ago, with his CV bursting with wins over top level opponents, including the likes of Maurício Rua, Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans and Daniel Cormier - and you can add Stipe Miocic to that very impressive list.

What's left?

Well the short answer is nothing. Jones has achieved more than most could even dream of and he can sail off into the sunset feeling fulfilled if that's what he chooses.

The question of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou will always linger as the one that got away and, of course, interim champion Tom Aspinall still wants his shot.

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, speaking on TNT Sports: "He's really, really good. He's really tough, he's really durable. I was hitting him with some decent shots and he kept coming forward. It's like fighting against the Terminator.

"Very, very discouraging to hit somebody that's not reacting to it. But that body shot, no matter how tough you are, the liver's the liver.

"Everyone knows that Stipe Miocic isn't the biggest heavyweight but he always comes lean. He always comes in great shape cardio shape. I watched him have wars with Daniel Cormier and a lot of guys where they just rock 'n' sock em. He doesn't react much to getting punched in the face. So our plan was to try and attack the body a little bit more. I was hoping to get him out in the first round but he hung in there."

On his future: "As far as my future in the octagon, I decided that maybe I will not retire. I have some conversations and we have some negotiating to do and if everything goes right, maybe we'll give you guys what you want to see.

"I know that we have options. I am just going to see what uncle Dana [White] wants. I also want to say a big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight."

Ah.

"I'm done. I'm hanging them up," Miocic says.

What a man. What a career. What a privilege to watch one of the greatest heavyweights of all-time.

So Jon Jones says he is going to keep fighting.

Stipe Miocic is next to be interviewed by Joe Rogan. Miocic still has his gloves on, but will he say anything about stepping into retirement?

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Jon Jones is on the mic right now.

Full quotes to come and he's just said he isn't going to retire and "maybe we will give you guys what you want to see".

Is that Tom Aspinall?

The camera just panned to Aspinall taking a sip of his drink, looking pretty comfortable on the outside of the octagon.

UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad on X: "Man that was nasty def broke ribs."

UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney on X: "And he’s still the GOAT."

Former UFC two-weight world champion Henry Cejudo on X: "Jon Jones is and always will be the greatest fighter of all-time!!!"

It was a beautifully placed spinning-heel kick that sparked that winning sequence. It landed flush in Miocic's stomach and Jones jumped on his opponent to wrap up the win after he crumbled to the floor.

One-way traffic from the start and it was only a matter of time until Jones found a way to finish it off.

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Jones follows with punches and it's over!

It's interesting that Jones hasn't really attempted a takedown since the opening round. He had a lot of success on the ground but is also winning every exchange on the feet.

Miocic has a chin but how much more can he take?

He digs a right to the body but is wide open for the left hook counter.

Jones continues to rely on the kicks...

Oh a spinning kick drops Miocic!

Daniel Cormier
Retired two-weight UFC champion on TNT Sports

Stipe is still trying to fight.

Jones is just too quick when it comes to the punch.

Miocic is stung by a left jab and then walks into a short right and starts to back off.

He has blood coming from that cut under his right eye and Jones stabs a left jab straight into it.

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Paul Battison
BBC Sport journalist at Madison Square Garden

I'm trying to keep a close eye on Tom Aspinall, and I can see him talking to members of his team around him as the fight goes on.

The Briton told me this week he was looking forward to watching Jones and Miocic up close from an analytical perspective.

I'd love to know what he's made of it so far.