Chael Sonnen points out why fans shouldn't write off Stipe Miocic in fight with Jon Jones

27/08/2024 15:25

With the world desperate for Jon Jones to fight Tom Aspinall, Chael Sonnen claims the combat sports community has unfairly dismissed Stipe Miocic.

Remembering all the Cleveland native has achieved, ‘The American Gangster’ has explained why the legend must be respected.

Chael Sonnen believes the fans are underestimating Stipe Miocic

While the fight is yet to be officially announced, the rumors circling around the heavyweight division are that Jon Jones is set to defend his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic.

The bout pits together possibly the most talented mixed martial artist of all time against the greatest heavyweight to ever do it. Yet the fans still aren’t happy.

That’s primarily due to the emergence of Tom Aspinall, who’s crushed every man standing in his path en route to picking up the interim championship.

Therefore, most believe he’s more deserving of a shot at the undisputed crown than a 42-year-old Miocic who hasn’t recorded a win in several years.

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But while many are hoping to merely get through this fight in the hopes that ‘Bones’ sticks around to face Aspinall rather than retire, Chael Sonnen is deeply invested in the clash, claiming that it would be unwise to write off the UFC legend.

In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, he said: “I’m hearing that Stipe isn’t in his prime. I’m hearing that Stipe is washed up. That’s very tough language, but I’m just wondering how we got there.

“Jon Jones took some time, put on some weight, and went against Ciryl Gane, and looked the best he’s looked in years. So, now, Stipe took some time, he’s put on some weight, but we’re not gonna give him the benefit of the doubt and see if he looks better than he’s looked in years?

“Stipe is not going to come out after all this time and dedication to put on that size for a match he doesn’t feel he can win.”

Sonnen then discussed that the importance of the fight far transcends what Miocic has already achieved in his career, making this encounter an absolute must-win.

The Oregon brawler added: “The history books get rewritten if Jon wins. They’re the same era. Every day that Stipe was heavyweight champion, Jon existed. So, if Jon can beat Stipe, then every single day of that heavyweight reign is bull.”

UFC legend gives Jon Jones a route to victory against Tom Aspinall

Ultimately, while Sonnen is convinced that Miocic is very much a live underdog, that hasn’t stopped the world from fantasizing about Jones vs Aspinall.

With his recent performances taken into account, many would favor the Brit to get the job done in explosive fashion.

However, the American is held in such high regard for a reason. Thus, it comes as no surprise that many still believe he could pull off the win.

One UFC legend has revealed the gameplan he believes the polarizing star would have to follow to retain his title.

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