Jon Jones has sent a glowing message of support for Conor McGregor ahead of his UFC 329 comeback.
UFC superstar McGregor will return for the first time in five years next weekend, ending a lengthy hiatus.
2
McGregor will get back in action after a turbulent five yearsCredit: Getty
He will take on Max Holloway in a blockbuster clash in Las Vegas, as he looks to secure his first win in the octagon since January 2020.
The Irishman has received support from all over the roster, as he looks to try and reverse his form and breathe new life into his career.
One of those messages of encouragement has come from UFC legend Jones.
And he has emotionally suggested that the pair have been through the same struggles, but is whole heartedly behind McGregor’s decision to fight again.
Read More In UFC
“Conor doesn’t need to fight. He has everything, I’m rooting for him, I’m proud of Conor, I’m a massive fan,” Jones told Red Corner MMA.
“He’s had a lot of struggles, ups and downs just like I have. But he always gets back on his feet.
“I respect the fact that he’s coming back to fight so much because it shows that he is a fighter in his heart.
I think he’s just he’s just great. The businessman that he’s been for our sport.
“He teaches fighters that we can be more than just fighters.
“We can take our brand and do something special with it, which he did with Prop Whiskey and everything.”
2
And Jones sees parallels with his own struggles, which is why he wants McGregor to return to successCredit: Getty
McGregor and Jones have both had issues outside of the cage that have threatened to derail their fighting careers.
The Irishman has had recent legal troubles, and his comeback is not without scrutiny.
McGregor – I’m only now coming into my prime
Inside the cage, the ‘Notorious’ has already achieved it all, becoming the first fighter to hold two belts simultaneously in 2016.
But he is a far cry from his title winning endeavours, and has since suffered a broken leg in his most recent trilogy defeat to Dustin Poirier.
Although despite having to take special care to return after injury, McGregor believes he has a new lease of life and is only now hitting his peak.
UFC schedule
For all the upcoming fights and results this year, check out talkSPORT.com’s UFC schedule.
He explained: “I look at my rest period that I have had, whereas I look at other competitors in the space, including my opponent, I feel a lot fresher than these opponents.
“I have had my time of rest. I feel I am into my prime now.
Read More on talkSPORT
“I’m only entering my prime, and now I’m forever. So that is my mindset going in here.”