UFC 309
| Company type | Event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Mixed martial arts |
| Founded | November 16, 2024 |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States |
| Parent | Ultimate Fighting Championship |
UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic was a mixed martial arts spectacle organized by the Ultimate Fighting Championship on November 16, 2024, hosted at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, United States.
Background
This occasion represented the UFC's eleventh event held in New York City and its first return since UFC 295 in November 2023.
On November 14, the UFC declared it would permanently reinstate its former glove design starting with UFC 309, addressing athlete concerns voiced over the past six months, as confirmed by CEO Dana White.
The main event showcased former UFC Heavyweight and two-time Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones defending his heavyweight crown against ex two-time world titleholder Stipe Miocic. Originally slated for UFC 295, the bout was delayed due to Jones suffering a pectoral injury. Interim and reigning undisputed champion Tom Aspinall was designated as the backup fighter.
The co-main event featured a five-round lightweight rematch between ex-UFC Lightweight Champion Charles Oliveira and former Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler. Oliveira had previously secured victory over Chandler via second-round TKO at UFC 262.
A welterweight matchup between Randy Brown and Carlos Prates was initially arranged but Prates was reassigned to headline UFC Fight Night: Magny vs. Prates one week earlier.
In the lightweight division, Maurício Ruffy faced an opponent change when Charlie Campbell withdrew; James Llontop stepped in as replacement. The contest was modified to a 165-pound catchweight; Llontop exceeded weight limits by 1.2 pounds and consequently forfeited 20% of his fight purse to Ruffy.
Two competitors withdrew shortly before the event: light heavyweight Azamat Murzakanov and featherweight Lucas Almeida. Almeida’s spot was filled by debutant Roberto Romero; however, no substitute was found for Murzakanov.
A middleweight bout between former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman and ex-LFA Middleweight Champion Eryk Anders was canceled on the day of the event due to Anders suffering food poisoning. This matchup was rescheduled for UFC 310 with a catchweight set at 195 pounds.
Bonus awards
The following fighters were awarded $50,000 bonuses:
- Fight of the Night: Charles Oliveira vs. Michael Chandler
- Performance of the Night: Jon Jones, Ramiz Brahimaj, and Oban Elliott