“I’m a Massive Fan” – Jon Jones Excited to See Conor McGregor Return From 5-Year Layoff to Face Max Holloway at UFC 329

UFC legend Jon Jones commends Conor McGregor for returning to competition despite not being active for five years.

“I’m a Massive Fan” – Jon Jones Excited to See Conor McGregor Return From 5-Year Layoff to Face Max Holloway at UFC 329

Conor McGregor and Jon Jones (via Yahoo Sports)

It is rare for any fighter to earn praise from Jon Jones, given his elite standing and remarkable legacy in mixed martial arts. However, Conor McGregor remains one superstar the Albuqurque native has never shared a rivalry with throughout their UFC careers. The two icons have consistently shown mutual respect publicly. Jones recently praised the Irishman’s return against Max Holloway at UFC 329.

McGregor last competed in the UFC in 2021, suffering a broken tibia during his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier. The devastating injury sidelined the Irishman for an extended period as he focused on recovery. He was scheduled to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, but the bout never materialized after McGregor withdrew at the last minute because of a toe injury.

Holloway, meanwhile, has remained active inside the Octagon despite McGregor’s lengthy absence. Although he lost to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326, the Hawaiian earned victories over Dustin Poirier and current champion Justin Gaethje in two of his last four fights. Despite that activity gap, McGregor was prepared to rematch Holloway, becoming a major reason behind Jones’ recent praise of the Irishman.

Conor doesn’t need to fight. He has everything, I respect the fact that he’s coming back to fight so much because it shows that he is a fighter in his heart. Me? I got to a certain level and decided to walk away, Conor is back and it shows that he is still that fighter. I’m rooting for him, I’m proud of Conor, I’m a massive fan and I think I will be for the rest of my life. He’s had a lot of struggles, ups and downs just like I have. But he always gets back on his feet. Which is a huge example to so many out there.

Jon Jones via Red Corner MMA

McGregor and Jones developed a respectful relationship during their title reigns in the UFC. The two frequently shared lighthearted moments outside the Octagon and at UFC events. Weeks before his bout against Nate Diaz at UFC 196, McGregor even playfully called out Jones while showing off his Rolex.

The two UFC icons revisited their longstanding friendship when they attended US President Donald Trump’s rally in January 2025. Their appearance together reignited memories of their interactions over the years. This time, the former heavyweight champion turned the tables by hilariously trolling McGregor.

Jones and McGregor found themselves in similar situations surrounding the proposed UFC White House event. Both former champions expressed confidence about returning for the card. However, Dana White later revealed neither would compete, explaining he could not rely on Jones for such an important event.

White also indicated he would place greater trust in McGregor than Jones for a major event. McGregor has a long history of appearing for the UFC’s biggest cards despite recent setbacks. Jones, meanwhile, retired after previously confirming a heavyweight title matchup against current champion Tom Aspinall.

Despite recent uncertainty, another meeting between Jon Jones and Conor McGregor appears increasingly likely. Jones is training Gable Steveson for his debut against Elisha Ellison on the UFC 329 undercard. Their longstanding connection should continue as ‘The Notorious One’ prepares for his return.

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Jon Jones breaks down the mentality needed after a career first defeat

Recent months have produced an unlikely trend of underdogs capturing UFC championships against overwhelming favorites. The movement gained momentum when Sean Strickland defeated Chechen pheonm Khamzat Chimaev to become a two-time UFC middleweight champion at UFC 328.

The trend continued at UFC Freedom 250 when Justin Gaethje delivered another stunning championship upset against a heavily favored opponent. Gaethje overwhelmed Spanish superstar Ilia Topuria in the main event, capturing the UFC lightweight title with a performance that shocked the MMA world.

Jon Jones goes off at the UFC
Jon Jones goes off at the UFC (via MMA Mania)

Jon Jones has maintained a close relationship with Chimaev throughout the Chechen contender’s UFC career. The former two-division champion visited ‘Borz’ in Chechnya several months ago, enjoying the region’s hospitality. The pair also shared a friendly grappling session on the streets during Jones’ visit.

Topuria, meanwhile, also earned praise from Jones in recent months despite. Jones described the Spanish superstar as one of the UFC’s most exciting fighters because of his flashy style. Following the first career losses suffered by Topuria and Chimaev, ‘Bones’ offered advice to both former champions.

What I heard is that [Ilia] is humble, he’s honest, he realizes that he just didn’t perform well. That’s the #1 step of getting back into the ring in a healthy way. If I was Khamzat, I would work on my weaknesses. Maybe switch up your endurance routine, and spend more time on your back.

Jon Jones via Red Corner MMA

Jones’ advice carries added weight because he has never suffered a legitimate defeat. The only loss on his record remains a controversial disqualification against Matt Hamill in December 2009. That remarkable record gives Jon Jones a unique perspective as both former champions rebound from their first setbacks.

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