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JON JONES makes his blockbuster return to the octagon on Sunday after 18 months on the sidelines.
The former long-reigning king of the 205ers makes his first defence of the heavyweight title early tomorrow morning in the main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden.
GETTY
GETTY
GETTYJones’s maiden strap of the 265lbs belt will see him throw down with former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic.
The clash of legends will be the second bout of the bumper new eight-fight deal, which SunSport revealed he was on course to land, that he penned in January 2023.
And he’s set to earn a pretty penny thanks to a tasty guaranteed purse, although the details WON’T be released to the public.
It will, however, significantly dwarf the $393,290 ($500,000) fixed purse he received for his rematch with Daniel Cormier at UFC 214 in July 2017.
Jones will take home a minimum guaranteed purse of $2million for his MSG melee with Miocic as his current deal has made him the second-highest-paid fighter on the roster.
Former two-division champion Conor McGregor has been the highest-paid fighter on the UFC roster for several years.
And the Irishman has made the most money in the promotion’s 31-year history.
The Notorious current contract, which he penned in the build-up to his 2018, showdown with Khabib Nurmagomedov, sees him take home a guaranteed £2.3million ($3million).
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How to Watch UFC 309
The UFC makes it's annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
Like McGregor, however, Jones’ final purse will be topped up by special discretionary bonuses and his respective cut of the pay-per-views sold.
Jones’ advisor Richard Schaefer said of his bumper new deal last year: “I think UFC realises that Jon Jones is the GOAT.
“He is a generational talent, so they were very much interested and very open to work with us and come to the conclusion of putting together a fair deal, which we did here.
“That deal we made for Jon makes Jon in the history of the UFC, the highest-paid heavyweight athlete.
“Overall, I think probably the second-highest ever next to Conor McGregor.
“So, it was a long negotiation but it was not a hostile negotiation.
“It wasn’t where both sides dug their heels in.
“I think both sides wanted to find a way. We found a way and here it is.
“It was a contract that made both parties happy. Maybe it made both parties a little bit unhappy as well.
“I think in order for this to happen, every side had to give a little bit.
“We are very pleased and I’m sure UFC is pleased.
“I’m sure Jon is very happy to be back and get this opportunity to fight for the heavyweight title.”
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
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