Jon Jones has commented on Conor McGregor's return to the UFC, saying McGregor doesn't need to fight given his financial success but respects the fact that he is coming back. Jones called it proof that McGregor genuinely loves the sport and described him as a businessman who sets an example for fighters by building ventures beyond MMA. Jones said he is a lifelong fan of McGregor and admires his resilience.
Jon Jones has weighed in on Conor McGregor's anticipated return to the UFC, offering warm words for the Irish star and framing his comeback as a demonstration of genuine love for the sport.
Jones, who carries a 28-1-0 professional record and remains one of the most decorated fighters in UFC history at 38 years old, expressed admiration for McGregor's decision to compete again despite having no financial need to do so. The heavyweight champion, standing six-foot-four with an 84-inch reach, said he considers himself a lifelong McGregor fan and pointed to the Irishman's resilience as something he deeply respects. Jones also praised McGregor's business acumen, calling him an example to other fighters for building ventures well beyond the cage.
McGregor, 37, holds a professional record of 22-6-0 and has long been one of the sport's most recognizable names. The Dubliner, who trains out of SBG Ireland, is a southpaw standing five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach. He averages 5.32 significant strikes landed per minute — among the higher outputs in the sport — with a striking accuracy of 49 percent. Jones acknowledged that McGregor's financial success means a return carries no economic necessity, framing the comeback as something driven purely by competitive instinct.
Why it matters
- Jones's public support adds notable credibility to the narrative around McGregor's return
- McGregor's high striking volume makes him a matchmaking talking point at whatever weight class he targets
- The comments reinforce a broader conversation about fighter identity and longevity beyond peak competitive years
- Jones's own continued presence at 38 lends weight to his perspective on fighters who refuse to walk away
