Stipe Miocic was likely already annoyed few outside of Northeast Ohio were giving him essentially no shot against Jon Jones. The betting lines began this week with Miocic a +500 underdog — the biggest odds he’s faced since he became the heavyweight champ in 2016. As of Nov. 15, those odds are a bit less, in the +450 range. Now it seems there’s more for Miocic to be fuming about. The former two-time UFC heavyweight champion doesn’t seem too happy in New York City, the site of the much-anticipated heavyweight title bout Nov. 16 at Madison Square Garden. Jones — the heavyweight champ — said the super fight is now “very personal” for him after he said Miocic made a personal slight to him. Miocic called Jones a “b****” on an episode of “UFC 309: Countdown” — to which Miocic apologized. Then during their traditional faceoff Nov. 14, Jones refused to shake Miocic’s hand and then said “don’t ever mention my kids again.” Miocic response was “I never mentioned your kids.” Related Articles Stipe Miocic, 42, eyeing UFC history against Jon Jones Related Articles Stipe Miocic, 42, eyeing UFC history against Jon Jones Is Jones fueling the fire and creating drama that isn’t there or is his gripe with Miocic legitimate? Former UFC heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier and longtime UFC announcer — who fought title bouts against Jones and Miocic — wasn’t surprised by Jones’ actions. “A lot of greats do (take anything as motivation),” Cormier told MMA Junkie on Nov. 15. “He likes it. He operates well in that, too. He operated well in our series of fights and he doesn’t mind it. “We just talked on the weigh-in show and he spoke about it was true – he didn’t make this up. He said, ‘I heard Stipe say it. I’m not lying.’ So in his mind it’s the absolute truth and he’s operating under the idea that Stipe Miocic insulted him, insulted his family and he wants to make him pay for it.” Cormier witnessed Miocic walk off stage after the faceoff incident and said Miocic was clearly upset. “He’s mad,” said Cormier. “You can tell.” With the 20-month build-up to Miocic-Jones — it was initially scheduled for November 2023 before a Jones injury postponed it — tempers are clearly boiling and each fighter is looking for any and all edges. One edge Miocic will have is bulk. On Nov. 15 during weigh-ins, Miocic checked 11 pounds heavier than Jones at 248.6 pounds to Jones’ 237.6. The last time Jones (27-1) fought was against Ciryl Gane in March 2023 and he was 247.5 pounds. Those 11 pounds could be an X factor for Miocic, who is 20-4 all-time with nine knockouts, including four during his reign as a two-time champ beginning in 2016. The first was a short right that floored Fabrico Werdum to win the belt for the first time in May 2016. Four months later in Cleveland, Miocic pummeled Alistair Overeem from the top position with a number of rights to the face. Against Junior dos Santos in May 2017, Miocic dropped the contender along the cage with a series of vicious rights in Round 1. Then against Daniel Cormier in August of 2019, Miocic used 13 left hooks to the body in Round 4 that set up Cormier, who later in the round was dropped with a series of lefts and rights. Heavyweight fights have always held a fascination with fight fans because bouts can end quickly with one big punch. Miocic told The News-Herald recently his advantage against Jones could be with his punching power. “Hopefully, he’ll be sleeping,” said Miocic about Jones, who has never been knocked out. Now it’s the countdown to each fighter stepping into the octagon and settling the GOAT (greatest of all time) discussion. That’s because there is no doubt legacies will be in the forefront for each fighter. For Jones, 37, he can cement his status among the masses as the UFC’s greatest of all time, regardless of division, with a victory over Miocic. “If I’ve gotten this close to be considered in that realm of conversation, I might as well embrace it,” Jones told The Associated Press. “I might as well advocate for myself because reaching this level just doesn’t come often. What I’ve done is a really special thing.” For Miocic, 42, he can become the second-oldest UFC fighter to win a world title. He’s already the only heavyweight to defend the championship belt three consecutive times. Defeating Jones would further cement his legacy, even if it’s something he doesn’t think about. It’s been more than three years since Miocic last fought. It resulted in a second-round knockout against Francis Ngannou in March 2021. Miocic wants to remind everyone he’s still a force. “You know, everyone always likes to forget about me,” said Miocic. “I just shut people up.” Stipe Miocic vs. Jon Jones What: UFC 309 main event When: Nov. 16 Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City What’s at stake: Jones’ UFC heavyweight championship belt TV: Pay-per-view