Chael Sonnen breaks down the significance of Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic at UFC 309

Chael Sonnen recently voiced his opinion about the importance of the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight, which would serve as the main event of UFC 309. Sonnen analyzed the significance of this encounter during his appearance at the latest episode of ESPN MMA's Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast alongside Daniel Cormier.

Jones has been one of the most dominant UFC champions with eight successful title defenses within his first title reign. But the Rochester native went on a prolonged hiatus of more than three years after defending his light heavyweight title at UFC 247.

He returned to the octagon at UFC 285, where he also claimed the UFC heavyweight gold with a dominant submission victory over Ciryl Gane. But Jones got sidelined once more due to a shoulder injury while preparing to face Miocic at UFC 295. Miocic's situation isn't much different as his last fight also dates back more than three years from now.

Sonnen initially detailed what would be at stake for Miocic during his UFC 309 encounter against Jones. The Oregon native mentioned that a win over Jones would cement 'The Silencer's' reputation of being the best UFC heavyweight in history.

On the other hand, Sonnen also iterated that Jones had already proven how good he is. But due to the short-lived public memory, he feels 'Bones' needs to provide a reminder to the fans with another victory.

"The way you go out is so important. You can walk yourself down around into gloom... The way you finish is a really big deal. This is it for Stipe. Is he gonna be the most successful heavyweight with the most defenses... Or he's gonna go out as just another victim of Jon Jones, like just another guy who held the belt because Jon wasn't there.

"He [Jones] is the champion of the world and has barely lost along the way... But no matter how good you are, you gotta keep showing people that every Saturday. Otherwise, they forget and that's what seems to have happened to Jon Jones. That's why this is so important."

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (3:11):

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Jon Jones will also don a pair of custom shorts for his UFC 309 fight

Most fans have been pretty appreciative of the UFC's decision to design custom shorts for the majority of their main eventers. Dana White and Co. kicked off this trend from the UFC 300, and it has seen no exception till UFC 308 as either one or both of the main eventers donned custom shorts for their fight.

Recent reports say the UFC authorities will maintain this trend for UFC 309 as well. A tweet from @Happy_Punch also showcased the print on the custom shorts that Jones will be sporting for his UFC 309 encounter.