Former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones believes Conor McGregor’s return to the Octagon is about much more than another fight it’s about proving that the fire to compete still burns despite years of success, setbacks, and personal struggles.
McGregor is set to make his long-awaited return at UFC 329 next weekend in Las Vegas, where he’ll face former featherweight champion and BMF titleholder Max Holloway in the main event. The bout marks McGregor’s first appearance in the UFC in five years and his first opportunity to earn a victory since January 2020.
During an interview with Red Corner MMA, Jones explained why he has tremendous respect for McGregor’s decision to return despite having little left to prove financially.
“Conor doesn’t need to fight; he has everything,” Jones said. “I respect the fact that he’s coming back to fight, so much.” “It shows that he’s a fighter in his heart. Me, I got to a certain level, and I decided to walk away. But Conor, he’s back! And it just shows how much he loves the sport and that he’s still that fighter, despite so much success.”
Jones retired from mixed martial arts last year after one of the most decorated careers in UFC history, making his perspective especially notable as McGregor prepares for another comeback.
Respect Beyond the Octagon
Jones also praised McGregor’s impact on the business side of mixed martial arts, crediting the Irish superstar with changing how fighters view their earning potential and personal brands.
“I’m rooting for him, proud of him, and I think he’s just great,” 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’s ventures outside the cage including his whiskey brand, business investments, and promotional work have made him one of the wealthiest athletes in combat sports history.
Shared Struggles
Jones acknowledged that both he and McGregor have experienced highly publicized personal battles outside the cage throughout their careers.
“I’m a massive fan, and I think I will be for the rest of my life,” Jones said. “He’s had a lot of struggles, ups and downs, just like I have. But he always gets back on his feet, which is a huge example to so many out there.”
McGregor has openly discussed some of the personal challenges he has faced during his extended absence from competition, including legal issues and substance abuse, while maintaining his desire to return to the sport he helped transform.
A Friendship Built Over the Years
Jones and McGregor have maintained a close relationship throughout their UFC careers. Their friendship was evident last October when McGregor publicly paid tribute to Jones and his family following the tragic death of Jones’ brother, Arthur Jones.
Now, with McGregor preparing for one of the biggest fights of his career against Holloway, Jones will be among those cheering him on from afar.
For Jones, McGregor’s comeback isn’t simply about winning another fight it’s about proving that one of the UFC’s biggest stars still has the heart of a fighter.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
