Sports | Dana White says a Stipe Miocic-Jon Jones interim title fight this summer 'makes sense'
Apr. 18—If UFC president Dana White has his way, the next time Stipe Miocic steps into the octagon it will again be with the heavyweight belt on the line.
This time, though, it could be for an interim title.
That's what White hinted at during a recent TMZ interview. White is excited about UFC's upcoming summer events, and none would be bigger than on Fourth of July weekend.
UFC 276 is scheduled for July 2 in Las Vegas, and White is hoping to pair the former two-time champion Miocic — an Eastlake North graduate — against former lightweight champion Jon Jones.
"I'm hoping Jon Jones is going to be part of that lineup this summer ... Stipe makes sense," White told TMZ about a possible opponent for Jones.
There are also several reports that Miocic has in fact been been offered the bout at UFC 276.
Attempts to contact Miocic for comment were unsuccessful.
The reason an interim title fight is on the table is that champion Francis Ngannou is reportedly expected to be sidelined for the rest of 2022 after recent knee surgery.
Ngannou knocked out the 39-year-old Miocic in Round 2 of their title fight in March 2021 to win the title belt from Miocic. Ngannou (16-3) then defended his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270 in January but has not fought since and is now recovering from surgery.
Meanwhile, Jones — who's 26-1 and widely regarded as one of the UFC's greatest fighters of all time — hasn't fought since February 2020. For several years, Jones has talked about bumping up to heavyweight but has yet to fight at that weight class.
Miocic (20-4) is right up there with Jones as one of the UFC's greatest, regardless of weight class. Miocic is the only heavyweight champion to defend the belt three consecutive times.
Ngannou and Miocic have split their first two fights, with Miocic dominating the first bout in early 2019 in Boston. A trilogy fight between the fighters would seem like the logical course when Ngannou is recovered. The next best option for White seems to be a first-ever fight between former champions Miocic and Jones.
In late 2021, Miocic spoke about a possible fight with Jones during an appearance on the MMA Hour.
"I don't know the whole story but I'm down," said Miocic about a rumored Jones fight. "Then he wants a title shot. I know he's done well, he's probably one of the greatest of all time but you've got to wait your order. That's like me going to light heavyweight and being like, 'I want the shot.' "
Those were comments with a possible fight with Ngannou on the table in 2022. With Ngannou out for the remainder of the calendar year, it appears a Jones fight for the interim title is the next best thing for Miocic — if the fight can be finalized.
