Jon Jones has been handed a brief medical suspension by the New York State Athletic Commission following his successful heavyweight title defense at UFC 309.

The ‘Bones’ had previously won the title from Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 last year. From the get-go, Jones was swift and managed to build early momentum, catching UFC 309 rival Stipe Miocic off guard with his speed. Midway through the first round, Jones took down Miocic and landed several fierce elbows to the temple.

Throughout the fight, Miocic struggled to land any significant hits as Jones continuously applied pressure with his sharp jab and body kicks. In the third round, a worn-out Miocic succumbed to a brutal liver kick that dropped him, allowing Jones to stylishly finish the job.

Post-victory, Jones was in high spirits at Madison Square Garden in New York. The 37-year-old playfully imitated Donald Trump at the opposite end of the cage, much to the amusement of the soon-to-be 47th United States President.

After his bout in New York City, Jones was mandated a week-long rest by the New York State Athletic Commission, per the Mirror. Miocic, on the other hand, absorbed considerable punishment during the match and received a 60-day medical suspension.

Nonetheless, the suspension is of little consequence to the former heavyweight champion Miocic, who declared his departure from the sport post-match, stating: “I’m done. I’m hanging them up. I’m retiring. Thank God.”

Jon Jones retained his heavyweight title

Jon Jones retained his heavyweight title ( 

Image:

Getty Images)

Following this, Miocic took to Instagram to reflect on his career’s conclusion, writing: “Let me start this post by saying I am good. [I have] been through a lot worse. I hope everybody enjoyed the show on Saturday. What an incredible way [to] go out! I started this journey fighting in local bowling alleys [and] ended it selling out Madison Square Garden. It truly doesn’t get better than that.

“Sorry I don’t get the [win], but you can’t get ’em all. Sometimes it’s not your night, that is the nature of the beast. You can’t plan a perfect ending in this sport. But I guess the perfect ending is to have been lucky enough to do it at all. You all have given me so much, and I hope I did you all proud. I felt all of you with me at every battle.”

In the co-main event, Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler delivered a thrilling performance. Despite Oliveira, the Brazilian fighter, controlling most of the lightweight rematch, Chandler almost clinched victory in the final round but ultimately lost on points. Following the match, both fighters have been issued a 30-day suspension by the NYSAC.