{"id":141,"date":"2026-07-02T14:29:36","date_gmt":"2026-07-02T14:29:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/mma\/?p=141"},"modified":"2026-07-02T14:30:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T14:30:29","slug":"jon-jones-on-conor-mcgregor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/mma\/2026\/07\/02\/jon-jones-on-conor-mcgregor\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cI\u2019m Proud of Him\u201d \u2013 Jon Jones Admires Conor McGregor\u2019s Decision to Return After Five Years at UFC 329"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Conor McGregor suffered a leg break against Dustin Poirier at UFC 264 in 2021, many believed the injury had effectively ended his fighting career. Those doubts only grew after he was forced to withdraw from his scheduled comeback against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 due to another toe injury, while a series of issues outside the Octagon further fueled speculation that the former two-division champion would never fight again.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, that narrative changed when Dana White officially announced McGregor\u2019s return for <\/span>UFC 329<\/span><\/a>. McGregor is now set to headline International Fight Week on July 11 in a welterweight showdown against Max Holloway. After overcoming years of setbacks to make his return for the 29th professional fight of his career, the Irishman has earned the admiration of Jon Jones.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Speaking in an exclusive <\/span>interview with Red Corner MMA<\/span><\/a>, ‘Bones’ praised McGregor\u2019s decision to step back into the Octagon despite having nothing left to prove financially. In the interview, Jones said, <\/span>\u201cConor doesn’t need to fight. He has everything, and I respect the fact that he’s coming back to fight so much because it shows that he’s a fighter in his heart.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Jones admitted that, after reaching the pinnacle of the sport, he chose to step away from competition. That, however, makes McGregor\u2019s decision to return even more impressive in his eyes. Despite being the wealthiest fighter in MMA history and one of the sport\u2019s biggest global stars, McGregor has chosen to compete again purely out of his love for fighting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jones added, <\/span>\u201cMe, I got to a certain level, and I decided to walk away. Conor, he’s back, and it just shows how much he loves the sport. It shows that he’s still that fighter despite having so much success. I’m rooting for him, and I’m proud of him, and I think he’s just great.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The former heavyweight champion also credited McGregor for showing fighters that success can extend well beyond the Octagon. He pointed to the Irishman\u2019s accomplishments as an entrepreneur, saying, <\/span>\u201cThe businessman that he’s been for our sport teaches fighters that we can be more than just fighters. We could take our brand and do something special with it, which he did with Proper 12 whiskey and everything. I’m proud of Conor.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

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“I’m a massive fan and I always will be.” – Jon Jones opens up about his admiration for Conor McGregor.<\/p>\n

Jones said McGregor doesn’t need to fight because he’s already accomplished everything outside the cage. That’s what makes his return so admirable in Jones’ eyes, calling\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/oX44Py7EIS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 2, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n