Former UFC two-division champion Jon Jones has thrown his support behind Conor McGregor ahead of the Irishman’s long-awaited return to the Octagon at UFC 329.
Both fighters have left an undeniable mark on mixed martial arts. While many regard Jon Jones as the greatest fighter in UFC history, McGregor remains the sport’s biggest global superstar. Over the years, the two have built a strong relationship, and Jones is among the millions of fans eager to see McGregor compete again.
McGregor is set to headline UFC 329 against Max Holloway in a rematch of their 2013 clash. This time, the fight will take place at welterweight, with the former two-division champion looking to secure his first UFC victory since January 2020.
Having experienced lengthy layoffs and highly anticipated comebacks himself, Jon Jones understands the challenge McGregor faces.
Before capturing the UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane in 2023, Jones had spent three years away from competition. Because of that experience, he believes McGregor deserves credit for stepping back into the spotlight despite already achieving financial success and worldwide fame.
Speaking with Red Corner MMA, Jones praised McGregor’s determination to continue competing.
“Conor doesn’t need to fight. He has everything. I respect the fact that he’s coming back to fight so much because it shows that he is a fighter in his heart,” Jones said.“Me? I got to a certain level and decided to walk away. Conor is back, and it shows that he is still that fighter. I’m rooting for him, I’m proud of Conor, I’m a massive fan and I think I will be for the rest of my life.”
Ahead of UFC 329, McGregor has openly discussed some of the personal challenges he has faced away from fighting, including legal issues and other struggles outside the cage.
Those experiences resonate with Jon Jones, who also endured numerous ups and downs throughout his career before retiring from MMA last year.
Jones believes McGregor’s ability to keep moving forward despite adversity serves as an example for others.
“He’s had a lot of struggles, ups and downs just like I have,” Jones said. “But he always gets back on his feet, which is a huge example to so many out there.”
Jones also praised McGregor’s impact beyond competition, noting how the Irishman changed the business side of the sport and showed fighters how to build their brands outside the cage.
“It shows that he’s a fighter in his heart. Me, I got to a certain level and decided to walk away. But Conor, he’s back. It just shows how much he loves the sport and that he’s still that fighter despite so much success,” Jones said.“The businessman he’s been for our sport teaches fighters that we can be more than just fighters. We can take our brand and do something special with it.”
McGregor enters UFC 329 looking to complete one of the most talked-about comeback stories in combat sports. After spending five years away from the Octagon, the former featherweight and lightweight champion will attempt to prove he can still compete at the highest level against one of the UFC’s most durable and experienced fighters in Holloway.
With legends of the sport like Jon Jones backing him, all eyes will be on McGregor when he makes his highly anticipated return later this month.
