"Jon Jones eye poke exemption" - Fans react as UFC 309 set to use old gloves instead of the ones introduced in June

The highly anticipated fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will take place at UFC 309 on Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Ahead of the clash, prominent MMA journalist Ariel Helwani reported that the UFC will use the old gloves for the event instead of the new design introduced this past June. The promotion has not yet provided a reason for this decision.

Helwani took to social media to share the news, sparking reactions from numerous MMA enthusiasts:

“UFC has informed the fighters competing on Saturday’s 309 card in NYC that they will be using the old gloves not the new ones introduced back in June, per multiple sources. Specific reason unclear at the moment.”

This led to fans accusing the UFC of favoring Jones as he has eye-poked many of his opponents in previous fights. One commented:

“Jon Jones eye poke exemption”

Another claimed that ‘Bones’ gets what he wants from UFC, writing:

“What Jonny boy wants Jonny boy gets”

One fan stated:

“Damn Jon gets 12-6 and Eye Pokes legalized against Stipe….”

Another wrote:

“Eye pokes are on the menu, bois!”

Check out more fan reactions below:

Fans react to the news

The UFC introduced new gloves in June this year. However, since the introduction of the new gloves, knockout rates have reportedly dropped by 10 percent, according to MMA Mania.

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Jon Jones likes his new custom shorts ahead of fight against Stipe Miocic

Jon Jones is set to defend his heavyweight title for the first time against former two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309.

Recently, the UFC Europe account posted a video of Jones seeing his new custom shorts for the first time. The fight kit is emblazoned with a lion, and Jones seemed pleased with the design:

"The really cool. That's really, really cool. I'm so excited to [wear] there. The lion. It's got my favorite bible verse. It's got the cross. The last name. Let's go… I'm probably gonna wear them to sleep tonight, not gonna lie."

Check out Jon Jones’ reaction below: