Jon Jones has weighed in on Conor McGregor's return to the UFC, saying McGregor has no financial need to compete but respects him for coming back regardless. Jones called McGregor a true fighter who loves the sport and praised him as a businessman and role model who demonstrates fighters can build something bigger than their careers inside the cage.
Jon Jones has publicly backed Conor McGregor's anticipated return to the UFC, offering praise for the Irish star's motivation to compete despite having no financial pressure to do so.
Jones, 38, is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. The Orthodox heavyweight carries a professional record of 28-1-0 and brings rare physical tools to the cage — standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach spanning 213 centimeters. His technical output reflects that pedigree, with a striking accuracy of 58 percent and 4.38 significant strikes landed per minute across his career, complemented by consistent wrestling pressure at 1.89 takedowns per 15 minutes.
McGregor, 37, holds a career record of 22-6-0 and remains one of the most recognizable names in combat sports. The southpaw from Ireland trains out of SBG Ireland and stands five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach. He has produced some of the most dramatic striking performances in UFC history, averaging 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute.
In his comments, Jones acknowledged that McGregor has built a business empire that makes a UFC return entirely optional from a financial standpoint. Rather than question that decision, Jones framed it as a mark of genuine competitive spirit, describing McGregor as a true fighter who loves the sport. Jones also pointed to McGregor as a role model, arguing he has demonstrated that fighters can construct something far larger than their in-cage careers.
Why it matters
- Jones is among the sport's most respected voices, and his endorsement adds credibility to McGregor's comeback narrative
- McGregor's return would carry significant divisional and pay-per-view implications depending on the weight class targeted
- The remarks highlight a broader conversation in MMA about athletes building brands beyond competition
