Two of the most polarising figures in UFC history are in each other’s corner this week. Jon Jones has come out publicly in support of Conor McGregor ahead of UFC 329, and McGregor’s own words to Ariel Helwani explain exactly what is driving him back into the octagon after five years away.
Jon Jones Proud of McGregor
Jon Jones did not hold back when discussing what Conor McGregor’s comeback means. He told Red Corner MMA:
“Conor doesn’t need to fight. He has everything… I’m rooting for him, I’m proud of Conor, I’m a massive fan. He’s had a lot of struggles, ups and downs just like I have. But he always gets back on his feet. He’s a huge example to so many out there.”
The parallel Jones draws between their careers is not accidental. Both men have navigated legal trouble, suspensions, and periods of public humiliation before returning to relevance inside the octagon. ‘Bones’ recognises that journey because he has lived his own version of it.
Jon Jones is set to corner Gable Steveson at UFC 329, putting him in the same arena as Conor McGregor when ‘The Notorious’ makes his long-awaited return in the night’s main event.
Why Conor McGregor Is Actually Coming Back
Conor McGregor told Helwani the motivation is not financial or contractual. It is something more visceral than that. ‘The Notorious’ said:
“For the fun of it, for the joy, for the thrill, for the competition, and I haven’t been. I yearn for this, Ariel. I yearn for competition. So, you know, how many times we’ve been speaking here like this and had nothing, nothing on the horizon or uncertainty. Now we have a date, an opponent. It’s very, very invigorating.”
Conor McGregor Says He Never Doubted the Return
When Ariel Helwani asked whether there was ever a moment McGregor thought his last fight against Dustin Poirier might have been his final act in the UFC, the answer was immediate and unambiguous.
“No, I always knew I’d come back. This is the pain game. Who can last the longest? Who can withstand? And I can withstand. And there you go. I’m back.”
Does the Game Need Conor McGregor?
Pressed on whether the sport needs Conor McGregor, he landed exactly where you would expect him to.
“Listen, I’m not saying I won’t say the game needs me, but it’s still good to have me. You know what I’m saying? It’s still good to have me. So, I’m happy with that.”
Modest by ‘The Notorious’ standards. Accurate by any standard.
Conor McGregor remains the biggest pay-per-view draw in UFC history, with his fights accounting for many of the promotion’s highest-selling PPV events. Every time ‘The Notorious’ competes, he attracts millions of viewers and generates mainstream attention few fighters can match.
Following the enormous buzz surrounding last month’s historic UFC White House event, UFC 329 is widely expected to challenge several commercial records, with UFC CEO Dana White already predicting a record-breaking gate. McGregor’s long-awaited return after a five-year layoff to renew his rivalry with Max Holloway only adds to the anticipation, as two of the biggest stars in MMA prepare to headline one of the most eagerly awaited cards in recent UFC history.
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