Jon Jones has shown his support for Conor McGregor ahead of the pair of UFC legends fighting returns this year.
Jones, 35, returns to the octagon on Saturday as he faces Gane for the undisputed heavyweight title at UFC 285 in Las Vegas. The consensus greatest MMA fighter of all-time hasn't fought since defending his light-heavyweight title for the final time against Dominick Reyes in February 2020, spending the last three years bulking up ahead of his heavyweight debut.
Former two-weight world champion McGregor is also gearing up for his comeback fight later this year as he will face Michael Chandler after coaching against his rival on the UFC's reality TV show The Ultimate Fighter. 'Notorious' is without a win in over three years and hasn't fought since breaking his leg against Dustin Poirier in July 2021, but Jones thinks McGregor's return will be beneficial for the entire UFC.
"There's only one Conor McGregor! I love Conor, I love what he represents," Jones told Mirror Fighting and other reporters. "He's big, he has this gigantic brand, some say it's just as big as our sport. It's going to be great when he comes back, he's going to bring a whole new energy. Even more fans, it's great for all of us. It's great for the sponsors, it's great for the UFC.
"I wish Conor all the best, I love the way he's living his life. I never thought in my time that I would see an MMA fighter with a Ferrari [Lamborghini] yacht, but he's done it. I'm so proud of him, it opens doors for all of us. It lets young fighters know that it's possible. There's great business and life-changing opportunity outside of the sport. I'm just so grateful for being that example for all of us."
Whose return are you more excited for - Jon Jones or Conor McGregor? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below
Jones looks to follow in the footsteps of McGregor on Saturday by becoming one of the few fighters to hold world titles in two different weight classes. McGregor accomplished the feat when he beat Eddie Alvarez to win the lightweight belt in 2016, knocking out Jose Aldo the previous year to win the featherweight title.
A heavyweight move was first discussed by Jones over a decade ago, but his title clash finally marks his debut at the weight class. Jones revealed he was above the UFC heavyweight limit of 265lb at his peak weight, but will be lighter than that for his fight against Gane. "A few months ago I got up to about 267lb, but I felt a bit bloated at didn't like my endurance at that weight. I plan on competing between 245lb and 250lb on fight night," he said.
