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Jon Jones is gearing up for his first heavyweight title defense when he faces Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 295 from Madison Square Garden on Nov. 11. The fight is one of the most anticipated bouts in MMA history, as it pits arguably the greatest fighter of all time against the greatest heavyweight of all time.
Jones, who vacated his light heavyweight title last year to move up to the heavyweight division, has been bulking up and adding muscle to his frame. He made his heavyweight debut in March, when he submitted Ciryl Gane in the first round with a dominant wrestling performance.
Now, Jones is preparing for a different challenge in Miocic, who is known for his boxing skills and durability. Miocic is a former two-time heavyweight champion, who lost his belt to Francis Ngannou in March by knockout.
To get ready for Miocic, Jones has brought in an interesting training partner: grappling legend Gordon Ryan. Ryan is widely regarded as the best no-gi grappler in the world, having won multiple titles and medals in prestigious tournaments such as ADCC, EBI, and IBJJF. .
Jones posted a photo of himself and Ryan on his Instagram account, along with a caption that took a dig at Miocic. “Meanwhile Stipe over there preparing for a boxing match,” Jones wrote.
The caption suggests that Jones plans to use his wrestling and grappling advantage over Miocic, who has never been submitted in his MMA career. Out of Miocic’s four losses, three came by knockout and one by decision. Miocic is also a former NCAA Division I wrestler, but he has not faced anyone with the grappling credentials of Jones or Ryan.
If Jones can defeat Miocic at UFC 295, he will cement his legacy as the greatest of all time and possibly retire from the sport