UFC 309 preview: 15 tidbits, facts and storylines

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to pay-per-view (PPV) tonight (Saturday, November 16, 2024) with its annual huge Madison Square Garden-based card, and UFC 309 The lineup is amazing (take a look here). Heavyweight Champion in the main event John Jonesfinally Recovering from torn pectoral muscle To fight the former three-time champion, Stipe Miocic. In the sub-main event, michael chandler Making a big comeback after a long layoff (Thank you, Connor!) against former lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira.

UFC 309 is packed with fun fights from top to bottom, so check out some random storylines, tidbits, and stats ahead of showtime before it all comes to an end in the world's most iconic arena. Let's try…

Quack, quack

Let's get this out of the way first: Yes, Jones vs. Interim Champion, tom aspinallit would have been, and probably should have been, a better fight.

but, it's not happening … Maybe until now.

Is Jones avoiding Aspinall? All signs point to yes, but we'll likely get a better answer after UFC 309 concludes (and the negotiations begin).

goat vs goat

Jones vs. Miocic would have been a much better fight if they had fought five years ago, but it's still a great match because of their status. Jones is widely regarded as the greatest mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter of all time, and some might argue that Miocic is the greatest heavyweight in UFC history (like Dana White), the greatest heavyweight of all time.

Both may be returning from layoffs, but with Miocic in his fourth year, there's no denying this is a very important fight.

Legacy is also at stake.

home game

Jones was born in Rochester, New York and has never competed in the “Big Apple” throughout his legendary career. When MMA was legalized in New York City in 2016, Jones was suspended for a year and never got the chance to compete on the sport's most iconic stage.

Thankfully, “Bones” finally got the chance to cross MSG off his bucket list. Will he retire in his home state??

certified headliner

Jones will be competing in his 19th UFC main event and record-setting 17th title fight – just incredible.

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC

Welcome back, Mike

Two years later, Chandler returns. I'm waiting to fail for conor mcgregor. It feels like a long time since 'Iron' last stepped inside the Octagon, but that's only because he's been incredibly productive since his time in the UFC.

He's going to win tonight and he's going to fight the winner of the next match. islam mahachev versus Arman Tsarukyan Next year, and someday, he'll be fighting “The Notorious.”

Takin Oba!

running it back

Chandler and Oliveira will have a rematch tonight after their epic two-round clash at UFC 262 in 2021. Chandler nearly finished Oliveira in their first encounter, but ultimately ended the fight by technical knockout in the second round (See highlights).

A rematch would make perfect sense given the current state of the division, and it should remain a complete mess for as long as it lasts. Oh, and the winner might earn a ticket to a lightweight title fight.

Defeat (0-3)

Chandler has appeared inside Madison Square Garden three times, but is currently winless.

chandler lost brent primus When he was with Bellator, it was the only time Bellator visited “The Garden.” Then Chandler lost Justin Gaethje A year later, his second fight in the UFC ended up being named “Fight of the Year,” but he lost his next fight. dustin poirier.

Will he ultimately win?

Bo's biggest battle

Three-time NCAA Division I national champion from Penn State University. Beau Nickalheads out tonight for his fourth fight inside the Octagon, which will be his biggest test yet. paul craig.

Craig hasn't had much success at middleweight, but he has won a number of fights. Magomed Ankalaev and Jamahal HillTwo of the current top light heavyweights.

Nickal is a big favorite again (Click here for all odds for UFC 309) and will probably win, but it could be difficult if the fight hits the floor.

Flyweight fighters competing for rankings

Top promising female flyweight athlete, Karine SilvaYou can jump into. top 10 Ranking for continuous endurance Vivian Araujowho is ranked? No.8.

Silva has had an outstanding run in the UFC so far, winning three first-round submissions and taking his last fight to a decision for the first time in his career.

Otaku keep fighting

Brazilian gym Fighting Nerds is on a roll in 2024, making it a top contender for gym of the year, leader or not. Caio Varalho On the path to middleweight top 6 ranking, jean silva come out of nowhere and stop Drew Dover 2 weeks after knockout Charles Jourdan UFC 303 or Carlos Pratesjust slept neil magny.

But there could also be an argument that the flashiest fighter in the gym is in the fight tonight.

surely, Mauricio Luffy He faced James Rontop at UFC 309 and became a fixture on television throughout his career. Oh, and he's kicking off the PPV main card for a reason (he's scheduled to style at Llontop).

“Prelims” quick hits

PPV aside, here are some random stories and stats from the UFC 309 “Prelims” undercard.

• marcus mcgi He is undefeated in the UFC (3 wins, 0 losses) and will fight outside of the UFC's Apex venue for the first time. he will fight Jonathan Martinezranking No.13 At bantamweight.
• Former middleweight champion chris widemanreturned to his home state of New York and went 1-3 (0-2) without a win inside Madison Square Garden.
• damon jackson After 23 fights at featherweight, he made his lightweight debut. jim millercreated a walk in his 45th UFC bout.
• Roberto Romero Makes UFC debut on less than a week's notice against knockout artist David Onama. Romero holds a record of 8-3-1 and most recently competed at Combat Global.
• Jonata Dinis — Who was supposed to fight? derrick lewis Two weeks ago at UFC Edmonton — a bout in the heavyweight ranks, marcin tyburainstead.
• welterweight Bashir Hafez versus Orban Elliott It could steal the “preliminaries” portion of the show.
• Eduarda Moura — missed the weigh-ins twice in his first two UFC fights — moved up to flyweight; victoria hardy.

UFC 309 Fight Leader

Here are the fighters who have had the most career fights at UFC 309: jim miller (55).

UFC 309 Fight Rookie

The fighter with the fewest career fights entering UFC 309 is Nikal (six).

UFC 309 Knockout King

The fighter entering UFC 309 with the most knockouts in his career is Miocic (14).

UFC 309 Submission Savant

The fighter with the most career submissions entering UFC 309 is Oliveira (22).

beta dog

According to Van Duel, Craig is the “biggest” loser at UFC 309. +730.

Live! Watch UFC 309 PPV on ESPN+ here!

Legacy is at stake! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to “The Big Apple” on Saturday, November 16, 2024 in New York, New York. The long-awaited, defining tradition Heavyweight showdown between current weight class champions. John Jonesabout to ride off into the sunset. genuine goat At the expense of the former king, Stipe Miocic. in UFC 309Pay-per-view (PPV) co-headliner from inside Madison Square Garden, former lightweight champion; charles oliveirarun as follows michael chandlerwho Sitting on the sidelines failing I'll be waiting conor mcgregor's unlucky comeback. UFC 309 also features the exciting return of a super prospect Mauricio Luffy and Beau Nickal (in separate battles) and so on! UFC 309Start time is scheduled for 6pm Eastern Time (Preliminary card) and 10pm Eastern Time (PPV main card).

Don't miss a second of the epic face punching action!

To check out the latest and greatest UFC 309: For more “Jones vs. Miocic” news and notes, be sure to visit our comprehensive event archive. here.