Jon Jones intends on proving a point to Stipe Miocic in this week’s UFC 309 main event inside Madison Square Garden. 

Jones will defend his heavyweight crown against three-time champ Miocic in the headline attraction of the UFC’s annual event inside the world’s most famous arena in the heart of New York City late on Saturday night almost exactly a year after their initially-scheduled bout was delayed after Jones sustained a pectoral injury in his prepration.

The more than a year-long build to the title fight has been mostly respectful between both fighters — but with their showdown now fast approaching, it appears that any accord between the two world champions is melting away.

Speaking as part of the UFC’s ‘Countdown’ show to promote the event, the usually placid Miocic referred to Jones as a ‘b*tch’ — and this comment has not seemed to have gone down well with the champion who issued his own riposte on social media.

“The disrespect didn’t have to happen,” Jones noted of his opponent’s comments. “You’re gonna wish you didn’t say that.”

Jones, who has competed at heavyweight for only around two minutes of his iconic, future Hall of Fame career, is heavily favoured by the oddsmakers ahead of the UFC 309 — with some prominent sportsbooks offering a range of longshot odds for him to win the 21st heavyweight fight of his career.