Jon Jones sent Stipe Miocic into retirement with a stunning back kick to the ribs and used a series of blows to the head in the third round to retain the UFC heavyweight championship from US President-elect Donald Trump in the main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden .

Jones posed and performed for the crowd atop the octagon for Trump, Elon Musk and Robert Kennedy Jr. on Saturday night.

Trump walked out to a rousing ovation in front of 20,200 fans just before the start of the pay-per-view card and seemed to bask in the excitement of the fighters who gave him props throughout the night, including Jones.

Known by some in the mixed martial arts world as the “Combatant in Chief,” Trump considers UFC President Dana White a close friend and considers fans of the sport part of his political base.

“I just want to thank President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” Jones said to a thunderous ovation that culminated in a “USA! USA!” sing.

“I’m proud to be a great American champion,” Jones said.

Trump did some dance moves as his signature campaign song, YMCA, played over the loudspeaker. Finally, he sat down and chatted animatedly with Musk.

Jones’ heavyweight title defense was his first fight since March 2023, and the 37-year-old successfully returned to the octagon after undergoing chest surgery that postponed a meeting with Miocic at UFC 295.

Jones paid his respects to Miocic after the fight and admired his toughness.

“He’s really good,” Jones said of Miocic. “He’s really tough. It is really durable. I hit him with some pretty good shots and he just kept coming forward.”

While Miocic opted to retire after the fight, Jones plans to stay at heavyweight.

“I’ve decided that maybe I won’t retire,” Jones said.