Image source, Getty Images

Despite Jon Jones' long list of achievements inside the octagon, his support has waned over the years due to his behaviour outside of the cage.

In 2015, Jones pleaded guilty to his part in a hit-and-run which injured a pregnant woman, while last month he reached a pre-adjudication agreement for two misdemeanour charges against him to be dismissed after he allegedly threatened to kill a female anti-doping officer.

Jones served doping bans in 2016 and 2017 although the United States Anti-Doping Agency (Usada) said they were confident he didn't deliberately use performance enhancing drugs.

As Jones was introduced for his news conference with Stipe Miocic, a wave of boos rivalled the cheers.

"I have many regrets but I’m aware that the man I am today has turned out to be a solid human being," said Jones.

"Everything you go through in life shapes you. I wouldn’t have the wisdom I have today if I hadn't gone through some of the things I’ve gone through."

Michael Chandler, speaking on TNT Sports: "All I know how to do [is fight]. Are you not entertained?

"Hey, I had a bunch of call-outs, I was supposed to show up tonight, do my job and win the fight.

"Forget calling out Islam [Makhachev], Charles is next [for the title]. Maybe Max Holloway for the BMF belt. Or Conor McGregor if you can ever get your house back in order while us real professionals have been keeping the octagon warm. Conor come back and beat me, if you can.

"Do you have any more questions Joe [Rogan]?"

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

It's not unusual to have a fighter on call as a backup for a main event at a UFC PPV and Tom Aspinall has found himself in that position this week.

The interim heavyweight champion has been waiting in the wings just in case undisputed champion Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic had to withdraw on short notice.

But remarkably Aspinall has actually been blacklisted from most of the fight week.

Thursday's news conference? Denied access.

Friday's weigh-in? Denied access.

Aspinall will be cageside tonight but there is no question he has got under Jon Jones skin.

Jones walked out of an interview with broadcaster TNT Sports before it even began as the broadcaster has close links to Aspinall.

Aspinall said he has asked to be allowed in the octagon to face off with the winner tonight, but he's aware he may be denied again.

We shall see...

Charles Oliveira, speaking on TNT Sports: "I would like to thank New York for this great win, thank you for all the love.

"This guys [Michael Chandler] deserves to be here. This guy's got all my respect.

"Where is next in line? I will be right there. Whoever it is, I am the next one.

"With all due respect, if you're going to hit me, hit me hard because I will keep pushing forward."

Image source, Getty Images

Charles Oliveira uses his post-fight speech to say he is ready for anyone who wants it in 2025.

After a run of fights tonight that had underwhelmed, this one delivered and tees things up nicely for the main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic.

Paul Battison
BBC Sport journalist at Madison Square Garden

The loudest roar of the night from the crowd was earlier when American president-elect Donald Trump entered the arena... until now.

He doesn't always win but you can expect entertainment when Michael Chandler fights and he delivered it with not one, but two slams in the final seconds of that fight.

The fans were on their feet as final bell rung there.

Charles Oliveira gets the win across all three scorecards and climbs on the top of the octagon to accept the adulation of the Madison Square Garden crowd.

It's never a dull moment with the Brazilian. What a fighter.

Surely that is enough to meet the call from lightweight champion Islam Makhachev.

Oliveira secures another takedown and takes the back. Is this how the fight ends?

No.

Chandler stands up with Oliveira wrapped around him and slams them both to the canvas. Oliveira maintains his grip and Chandler does exactly the same again.

What a finish!

Chandler is down by four rounds and needs a knockout. We know he's capable out it, he just needs to empty the tank.

The American comes out on the offensive and Oliveira is caught!

It looks like the Brazilian is claiming he took a finger to the eye but the fight goes on.

Chandler smells blood and this fight is in his hands now. Oliveira falls to the floor and Chandler starts with ground and pound.

Just when Chandler seems to have run out of energy, Oliveira throws up a triangle - it's not successful.

Chandler lets him up to the feet and we're set for a hectic 90 seconds.

Image source, Getty Images

Paul Battison
BBC Sport journalist at Madison Square Garden

The ground is usually the last place you want to be with Charles Oliveira, who possesses such dangerous jiu-jitsu, but Michael Chandler has defended well so far.

In other news I've just spotted British interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall leave his seat.

Quick toilet break so he doesn't miss a second of the main event is my guess...

Chandler tries to engage in a battle of the hands but the rangier Oliveira is winning that battle.

Oliveira picks up another really cute takedown, this time using a leg sweep before transitioning to the back and Chandler is in survival mode again.

Chandler rolls and almost escapes but Oliveira goes with him. So smooth.

Oliveira looks like he is under the neck of Chandler but the American finds a way out again. You have to admire his desire to stay in there.

Can this Oliveira cause problems for lightweight champion Islam Makhachev?

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Stipe Miocic's CV isn't too shabby either.

• Most consecutive title defences in UFC heavyweight division history (3)
• Most combined total defences in UFC heavyweight division history (4)
• Most finishes in UFC heavyweight title fights (4)
• Most knockouts in UFC heavyweight title fights (4)

This is one-way traffic.

Oliveira is levels above Chandler and is just picking him off with uppercuts, knees, elbows - you name it, he's landed it.

And just as was the case in rounds one and two, Oliveira gets the takedown midway through the round and this time he has the back.

Oliveira tries to squeeze his arm under the neck but Chandler defends.

Oh. some brutal 12-6 elbows - legal as of 15 days ago - from Oliveira before the Brazilian attacks the neck again. Chandler refuses to accept it, though.

Dominance over three rounds from Oliveira. Chandler needs something big.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, Getty Images

Jon Jones is often hailed as the GOAT (greatest of all time), let's take a look at some of the reasons why.

• Youngest UFC champion (23 years old)
• Most defences of UFC light-heavyweight title (11)
• Longest title reign in UFC (1,501 days)
• Most wins in UFC title fights (15)
• Longest unbeaten streak in UFC history (19)

Oliveira has Chandler sprinting away around the octagon as he starts to enjoy success with the hands.

Chandler slips and is greeted by another right hand when he gets to his feet.

We know Chandler has a chin and it's being tested in this round. Oliveira really is a threat in all areas.

With just under three minutes to go, Oliveira shoots for a takedown and immediately gets full mount. This is bad news for Chandler.

Utter dominance on top again from the Brazilian, who manages to sneak through a few elbows. Two rounds in the bag.

I'm still waiting for someone to whip out the walls of Jericho.

Paul Battison
BBC Sport journalist at Madison Square Garden

For a second there, I thought Charles Oliveira was going to put Michael Chandler in a sharpshooter - a pro wrestling move made famous by former WWE legend Bret Hart.

That would have been the viral moment these fans have been hoping for.

Instead there are still a few boos echoing around the arena after that first round on a main card that has lacked any big moments so far.

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