Matheus Chimeri ‘25, Circulation/Ad Manager
Within the UFC’s decorated 30 year history, there have been many champions, as well as a long list of great fighters. None of which have had a more dominant career than current heavyweight champion, Jon “Bones” Jones. With his most recent fight being a submission win over the previous heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, Jones further solidified his legacy by becoming a two-division champion. Jones has had his fair share of struggle throughout his career, but his performance within the octagon is undeniable. A rare once in a lifetime athlete with killer instincts to accompany his mastery of martial arts, Jones is often regarded as the best to have ever done it.
The G.O.A.T. UFC 309 is likely Jones’ final appearance under the lights. Now 37 years old, he has had 27 professional fights and has been hinting at wrapping up his career with UFC 309. His opponent is “Stone Cold” Stipe Miocic, a highly decorated heavyweight fighter with a current 20-4 record.
Miocic has won six out of his last eight fights, with four being knockout victories. Like Jones, Miocic is a veteran in the fighting game, but he has prematurely been counted out by fans. Many believe that Jones’ combination of striking and grappling is too refined and still levels above the current competition.
Senior Erik Sherburne said, “Jon Jones is simply the best to ever do it. Jones has had a perfect record in the UFC while fighting the very best contenders, and I think he will remain the champion.” This is a reflection of the sentiment many fight fans are feeling as they predict another victory for Jones to add to his decorated career.
Fighting just before Jones and Miocic, Charles Oliveira will face off against Michael Chandler for the co-main event of UFC 309. From the slums of Brazil, to the lights of Madison Square Garden, Charles “Do Bronx” Oliveira’s career has been nothing short of inspiring. As a boy, he suffered from juvenile arthritis and was told he would never live a life of sports like his peers. The setbacks Oliveira faced, built a bulletproof mindset that thrives off of hardships, and Oliveira has been proving people wrong his whole life. As a young fighter in the UFC, he showed major potential but also had numerous flaws. Many believed that the losses he suffered, foreshadowed a lackluster career that would never touch gold. Oliveira proved them wrong. With a highlight reel worthy knockout over Michael Chandler, Oliveira won the lightweight championship belt at UFC 262 at Houston’s Toyota Center. UFC 309 is Oliveria’s opportunity to silence doubters, and show off his championship level skills as he rematches Chandler. Both contenders have a dangerous grappling arsenal, and this fight could go either way. Oliveira is best known for his Jiu-Jitsu skills; his grappling is revered as he holds the UFC record for submissions. On the other hand, Chandler is a respected fighter and was a NCAA wrestler, as well as champion in other fighting organizations. This fight could easily turn into a scrappy war on the ground, but on the octagon floor Oliveira will likely emerge as the winner due to his extensive grappling knowledge and well balanced repertoire. If this fight remains standing, Chandler’s power advantage could quickly end Oliveira’s night. His aggressive pace and swinging punches mean serious knockout power that could end the fight with one good strike. This is the closest match up of the fight card, and fans are eager to see if Chandler has the skill set to avenge his previous loss to Oliveira.
All the champions and remarkable fighters in the UFC today, were once rookies trying to make a name for themselves. One of the most exciting and promising up and coming fighters today is Bo Nickal. Though Nickal may not be known to the casual fight fan, Nickal has forged a legacy. As a three time NCAA champion and four time finalist, Nickal was a dominant and respected D1 wrestler for Penn State. Nickal’s collegiate success brought him new opportunities, and allowed him to expand his grappling passion into combat sports.. Now 6-0 in the UFC, Nickal has been off to a hot start by showcasing his dominant wrestling skills, with surprisingly formidable striking power. Facing off against Paul Craig at UFC 309, Nickal has been given another chance to showcase his talents against a more experienced, veteran fighter. For the hungry newcomer, every opponent is a risk that must be taken. Nickal is no stranger to high stakes and pressure, and certainly no stranger to winning; however, the UFC is a new battleground with more on the line than ever before. A loss could mean the end of the hype train which has propelled Nickal’s fighting career; however, a win would further serve as evidence of Nickal’s potential for greatness.
Lyon Life 