Jon Jones has a message for Conor McGregor before the Irishman returns to the octagon later this month.
After staying half a decade away from the sport, “The Notorious” is finally making his UFC return in the main event of UFC 329, where he is set to run it back with Max Holloway. McGregor last competed in 2021 against Dustin Poirier. During the trilogy bout, the Dubliner suffered a drastic leg injury that kept him sidelined for nearly two years. After recovery and rehabilitation, in 2023 he served as head coach opposite Michael Chandler on TUF 31.
In 2024, “The Notorious” was scheduled to return to headline UFC 303 against Chandler. But McGregor had to withdraw from the bout due to a toe injury. After the fight fell through, the Dublliner kept himself occupied with his political ambitions, BKFC commitments, ongoing legal issues, and suspension.
But now the Irishman is locked in. He’s the most tested UFC fighter this year and is training, eating, sleeping, and living in the gym. The former double champion has promised a “spectacular” performance and “absolute demolition” against Holloway in the rematch.
Jon Jones confident Conor McGregor is “still that fighter despite having so much success” ahead of UFC 329
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Jon Jones, who has always spoken highly about Conor McGregor, once more lauded “The Notorious” before his return to the octagon, adding that McGregor has accomplished everything outside the cage and has no reason to fight again. But given that the Irishman is putting in all the hard work to compete again, it shows that he was and always will be a “fighter at heart.” Jones said:
“Conor does not need to fight. He has everything. And I respect the fact that he is coming back to fight so much. It shows that he is a fighter at heart. I got to a certain level, and I decided to walk away. Conor is back, and it just shows how much he loves the sport. Shows that he is still that fighter despite having so much success. I am rooting for him; I am proud of him. I think he is just great. The businessman he has been for the sport, he teaches fighters that we can be more than just fighters.”
“[I am] Proud of Conor. I am a massive fan. I will be for the rest of my life. He has 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.”
Check out Jon Jones’ comments about Conor McGregor below:
The night Conor McGregor returns, Jon Jones will be present in the same arena to corner his protege Gable Stevenson, who is set to make his UFC debut on the preliminary card of UFC 329 against Elisha Ellison.
