Jon Jones backs Conor McGregor UFC 329 return: 'I'm proud of him'

Jon Jones says Conor McGregor's return to the octagon next weekend proves the Irishman remains a competitor at his core.

McGregor faces Max Holloway in the welterweight main event of UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 12, his first fight since 2021. Jones told Red Corner MMA in a recent interview that what impresses him most is that McGregor chose to come back when he could have stayed retired.

Jones praises McGregor's business legacy and fighting spirit

"Conor doesn't need to fight," Jones said, per MMA Fighting. "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." Jones, who has largely stepped away from active competition himself, added that McGregor's willingness to compete again despite financial independence sets him apart. "Conor, he's back and it just shows how much he loves the sport," he continued. "I'm rooting for him, I'm proud of him, and I think he's just great."

Jones also praised McGregor's work outside the cage, crediting him with expanding what fighters can accomplish beyond competition. McGregor sold his Proper No. Twelve whiskey brand in a deal reportedly worth hundreds of millions and built a global profile that transcends mixed martial arts. "The businessman that he's been for our sport, he teaches fighters that we can be more than just fighters," Jones said.

Both Jones and McGregor have faced legal issues during their careers, with Jones arrested multiple times on charges including driving offenses and domestic violence, while McGregor faced assault allegations and was found liable in a civil sexual assault case. Jones acknowledged their parallel struggles but said McGregor's resilience resonates with him. "He has had a lot of struggles, ups and downs, just like I have, but he always gets back on his feet," he said.

McGregor and Holloway fought once before in 2013, when McGregor won by decision at featherweight. Holloway has since captured the featherweight title and moved up to lightweight, while McGregor fought at welterweight in his most recent bouts. UFC 329 airs live next Saturday night.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — Jon Jones excited for Conor McGregor UFC 329 comeback: ‘I’m proud of him’ | MMA Fighting