Jon Jones told exactly how he can beat Stipe Miocic at UFC 309

has advised to take down and seek a ground-and-pound stoppage, as the two heavyweight stars go head-to-head at UFC 309.

'Bones' will be looking to successfully defend his heavyweight title for the first time against the MMA icon after picking up the strap at 285 last year. Both Jones and Miocic were due to go glove-to-glove last November, but Jones was forced to withdraw from the bout after he tore his pectoral tendon during training.

Jones is widely regarded as the greatest fighter in the history of MMA and has hinted that the fight with Miocic could be the last time he steps foot inside the cage. As for his upcoming opponent, Miocic hasn't fought since losing to three years ago. While many fans believe ring rust might play a factor, pundit Bisping - who is a former middleweight champion in the promotion - has rubbished claims that the two heavyweight stars may be rusty.

In an exclusive interview with Mirror Fighting, he said: "I don't think so. These are two guys that have done this for their entire life. I think Stipe has been overlooked because the last time we saw him was three years ago and it was a bad loss to Francis Ngannou. So that's people's last memory of him. I think the three years away is going to be tremendous for Stipe, because that was so long ago.

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

"Mentally, it's not going to cause any issues being knocked out. Physically, there's going to be no issues as well. You know, he's taken a lot of time to recover. And then also the desire and the passion for the sports, missing the sport, seeing other people walk around as champion, the gigantic paydays and all the rest of it. You miss that. You want to be a part of it. So this is extremely exciting for Stipe.

"You’ve got to remember Stipe has got the wrestling to stop the takedowns of Jon Jones more than likely. He's got bigger power. He's a harder puncher than Jon Jones. You know, I think Jon Jones has a lot of advantages in terms of his IQ, in terms of his diverse skillset and his approach. You know, he doesn't have the punching power, but he does have the fighter IQ, the game plan, the experience.

"I think this is a tremendous matchup and I can't wait for it. I do think because of the thing, there's a storyline now, which is kind of making it a little bit overlooked. But I think as this fight gets closer and closer, people are going to remember… this is Jon Jones. This is Stipe Miocic. Tom Aspinall is going to be there. This is as big as it gets for heavyweight mixed martial arts action. And I cannot wait."

When asked for a prediction, Bisping believes the Albuquerque assassin will be too much for Miocic. The British MMA legend has also broken down how he expects 'Bones' to get the job done. "You know, I'm leaning towards Jon Jones, but so it's like this. I think if Jon Jones wins, he'll wear him down in the clinch," he continued. "He'll use knees and elbows, damage him like that, and then follow him down to the ground and maybe get a ground on pound stoppage or maybe a choke."

That said, the ex-UFC star believes if there's a one punch knockout in the UFC 309 main event, it'll come from the former heavyweight champion. "For Stipe, I think Stipe Miocic has got to go forward. Be really physical. I know this seems like a stupid term, but it's a fight. Just go at him, fight him. Put Jon Jones on the back foot. Use your size, use your power, use your strength.

"Just put it on him from the get go. He's got bigger punching power. I think if we see a one punch knockout, it's going to come from Stipe Miocic. But if we see a Jon Jones victory, he'll get it by wearing him down slowly over the rounds."

Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on from 1am on Saturday, November 16. For more info visit: