Coach Explains How Jon Jones Can Beat Stipe Miocic

Head coach Mike Winkeljohn has detailed why he believes Jon Jones would defeat Stipe Miocic.

Miocic is the current UFC Heavyweight Champion. Jones recently vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight gold as he plans to move up in weight. Miocic’s next title defense isn’t clear but if it’s against Jones, then Winkeljohn has the utmost confidence in his fighter.

Appearing on Submission Radio, Winkeljohn said that the challenge of Miocic gives Jones some added motivation (h/t The Body Lock).

“Oh, I’m definitely looking at Stipe. In my mind, that’s a great fight for Jon to take. That motivates Jon.

“I think Stipe is incredible. I really like the guy, I have nothing but great things to say about him as a person, over and above, just a great fighter. But Jon’s got his sights set on [being] the best and might as well do it.”

Winkeljohn also expressed his belief that Jones would find a way to best Miocic and become the new UFC Heavyweight Champion.

“It’s a tough one. Stipe is a great striker, so strong everywhere and he’s real smart. I saw the way he was controlling some of the heavyweights on the ground. He’s smart about what he does. But I think Jon beats him in every one of those aspects. When Jon puts his mind to it, Jon beats everybody at wrestling, he beats everybody at stand-up, he beats everybody everywhere and always ends up having a bloody show when things go right.”

Francis Ngannou has been angling for the next crack at the heavyweight gold. UFC President Dana White initially said that no one would cut the line in terms of a title shot. Lately, he appears to be a bit more open to giving Jones the title opportunity first.