UFC 309 is finally upon us.
UFC 309 Press Conference
The UFC 309 press conference took place Thursday night, just two days before fight night, Saturday November 16 in Madison Square Garden. The presser featured Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Charles Oliveira, Michael Chandler, Bo Nickel and Paul Craig. You can see the highlights below.
Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig
Bo and Paul got into it a little bit tonight, with Bo Nickal kicking things off to say that he believes he’s better than Paul everywhere and Paul better hold on for dear life because he has a million ways to win. Paul Craig fired back and said he only needs one way to win and that’s a triangle choke to make Bo tap. Nickal responded by saying he doesn’t understand what Paul is saying. Craig then said he b believes Bo is trying to use the Paul Craig name to boost his career, but Bo won’t win this Saturday and he will make Bo tap. Paul then said it’s an honor to be fighting in Madison Square Garden, but it’ll be very special when he wins. You can see the Bo Nickal vs. Paul Craig Face-Off here.
Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
Michael and Charles were the quieter two of the bunch. But, they did have some words. Chandler first clarified his statements about Oliveira being a “quitter” and says everyone has some quit in them, he just needs to put on the pressure to force it out. Charles was confident, saying he will win and get his title back for his newborn son. Chandler was then asked about fighting at 170lbs, but, Chandler says he’s more focused on 155lbs. Michael was then asked about the Conor McGregor fight, which he says he’s not thinking about because Conor doesn’t have his house in order. Chandler ends by saying we will find out what is better this Saturday between American Wrestling and BJJ. You can see the Michael Chandler vs. Charles Oliveira Face-Off here.
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic
The main event Heavyweight Championship bout between Jon Jones and Stipe was by far the most focused on fight, and rightfully so. Jon started off by revealing after Stipe called him a “bitch” and mentioned his family, the fight is now personal for him. Stipe says every fight is personal, but he’s sorry for calling Jones a bitch. Doesn’t have recollection of mentioning his family. The Dana said Tom should be next, Jones said he has no reaction, he’s just focused on Stipe. Stipe says if he wins Saturday, he’ll talk to UFC about a rematch with Jones. Stipe also says everyone, including Dana, calling Jon Jones the GOAT doesn’t bother him, he trains like every other fight. Jon was then asked about Daniel Cormier, to which Jon said he would love to bury the hatchet with him. When asked about often being an underdog, including this fight, Stipe says he doesn’t care about the odds. “Vegas hates me, I want to keep it that way.” Jon the says he’s very prepared for wherever this fight goes, especially on the ground. Jon Jones then had a nice moment when he shouted out a boy in the crowd who had cancer. He asked Dana to get the boy tickets for the event, which Dana said he will get him good seats. Jon and Stipe then and each other high up on their best opponent list, Jon appreciates everyone calling him the GOAT, but says he cannot put himself on the Mount Rushmore of sports, that’s for the fans to do. You can see the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic Face-Off here. Jon does refuse to shake Stipe’s hand and they trade some words.
Dana White
Of course with Dana on the stand, the boss is going to get some questions. Dana was first asked about the new glove situation, where he revealed that the new gloves are out and the old gloves are back, permanently. He says that was his call after many fighters complained. Dana then said that the winner of Saturday’s main event “absolutely should” fight Tom Aspinall next. Big cheers from the crowd for that one. Dana was asked if he has any fight announcements for UFC London in March, he said no. But, when asked about the main event of UFC 310, Dana revealed that we will know the main event tomorrow and it’s a good one. Dana then did the meme live in person and said Jon Jones is the number one pound for pound greatest of all time. Dana was then asked with the 12:6 elbows back in play, does he think the loss can be erased off of Jon’s record. Dana says he doesn’t think it’s actually possible, but everyone knows Jon Jones has never lost. Dana then was asked since there’s two Georgian champions now, will UFC ever hold an event in Georgia, he says yes. Dana ends the press conference by thanking the fans for making UFC 7 of the top 10 all-time gates in Madison Square Garden history.
You can see the full card for UFC 309 here.
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