Conor McGregor Trashes Old Rival, Praises Islam Makhachev and Vows to Beat Jon Jones in Viral Interview Ahead of UFC 329

UFC superstar Conor McGregor is finally set to return at UFC 329 and has brought his 'Notorious' persona with him into fight week.

Conor McGregor Trashes Old Rival, Praises Islam Makhachev and Vows to Beat Jon Jones in Viral Interview Ahead of UFC 329

Conor McGregor returns with his trash talk ahead of UFC 329 (via Instagram, MMA Mania)

Conor McGregor remains one of the most outspoken fighters in UFC history. His trash talk and unmatched microphone skills helped make the Irishman one of the promotion’s biggest global stars. McGregor now prepares to return against Max Holloway at UFC 329. However, it looks like his infamous ‘Notorious’ persona appeared fully revived during his first major UFC interview in recent years.

It has been five years since McGregor last competed inside the UFC Octagon. During that time, he coached opposite Michael Chandler on The Ultimate Fighter 31, raising anticipation for their long-awaited showdown. However, McGregor withdrew from their scheduled UFC 303 bout after suffering a toe injury, delaying his return and extending his absence from active competition until UFC 329.

McGregor’s rivalry with Khabib Nurmagomedov remains one of the most significant feuds in UFC history. Their heated buildup culminated at UFC 229 in 2018, when Nurmagomedov defeated McGregor by fourth-round submission, and their post-fight altercation drew widespread attention. Years after their clash, McGregor has once again reignited the rivalry by recently calling out the decorated Dagestani star.

The guy’s done nothing in the sport… where is he now? He’s gone. I don’t rate him at all, the man has no courage. Never fought above weight divisions, no stoppages, no knockouts.

Conor McGregor via Complex

Over the years, McGregor and Nurmagomedov have continued exchanging jabs despite never fighting again. Another chapter of that rivalry has involved UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, who has also repeatedly criticized the Irishman, keeping tensions between the two camps alive.

Makhachev has repeatedly criticized McGregor over his volatile history, including substance abuse allegations and legal assault cases. McGregor has responded with public attacks. However, ahead of UFC 329, he praised Makhachev’s dominance and ranked the champion above Khabib Nurmagomedov.

He’s above Khabib. Finishes, body of work, both divisions. Still at it. There’s a lot left in that boy, and he should recognize that and keep going.

Conor McGregor via Complex

Surprisingly, Makhachev also welcomed McGregor’s UFC 329 return. The Dagestani welterweight champion said McGregor’s comeback was good for MMA because of his lasting impact on the sport. Makhachev further credited ‘The Notorious One’ as one of the UFC’s first true global superstars.

It is also worth noting that McGregor’s UFC 329 bout against Max Holloway will take place at 170 pounds, the division currently ruled by Makhachev. The former two-time divisional champion has already inserted himself into the championship conversation, targeting a historic third UFC title.

There were widespread doubts that Conor McGregor would ever return to the UFC, especially after his leg break at UFC 264. However, his recent interview suggests ‘The Notorious One’ is finally back. More importantly, he appears to have returned with the same persona that defined his rise to superstardom.

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Conor McGregor dismisses Jon Jones’ standing in the UFC GOAT debate

Conor McGregor and Jon Jones have maintained a friendly relationship for years despite competing in different weight classes. McGregor publicly congratulated Jones after his heavyweight title victory at UFC 285. Jones has also repeatedly backed McGregor’s comeback, showing mutual respect between the two.

Even recently, ahead of McGregor’s UFC 329 return, Jones publicly backed the Irish superstar. ‘Bones’ said he was excited to see McGregor compete again after such a lengthy absence. He also praised the Irish star for returning despite already achieving extraordinary financial success outside the UFC.

Conor McGregor and Jon Jones
Conor McGregor and Jon Jones (via Yahoo Sports)

Jones last competed at UFC 309, where he defended the heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic. The victory marked another successful chapter in his decorated career. However, the Albuquerque native recently announced his retirement, bringing an end to one of the UFC’s most accomplished careers.

Conor McGregor recently appeared on Complex for an interview to discuss his UFC 329 return. He reaffirmed his position atop the UFC GOAT debate, placing himself above Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva. McGregor then took aim at Jones, long regarded by many as MMA’s greatest fighter.

Look, where is he now? Where’s he now? It’s who is left, baby. It’s the pain game, who can outlast, who can stay longest. And here I am still. None of these boys, including Jon here, with his history, is not on my level… He’s got 8 knockouts, I’ve got 19. I understand what you’re saying and I understand the greatness of Jon, but it’s hard to weigh it all up with the metrics. Jon can’t box, Jon can stomp and knee, his main body of work is his stomps. We’re gonna have Jon in my ear now, no problem.

The two former two-division champions will likely cross paths during UFC 329. Jon Jones is coaching Olympic wrestler Gable Steveson, who is scheduled to make his UFC debut against Elisha Ellison on the card. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor is preparing to headline the event against Max Holloway.

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