At UFC 285, Conor McGregor was present for Jon Jones’ entrance back into the octagon. After taking a three-year break from mixed martial arts, “Bones” was able to defeat Ciryl Gane through first-round submission to claim the heavyweight championship in his first fight back in the category.
The eighth fighter in UFC history to win a title in two different weight classes is Jon Jones, who was congratulated by “The Notorious” on Twitter:
“Jon last night did an amazing job with that! Seeing it live is even better! The individual ought to have received two belts. Both shining, too. He completed it. Great work, @JonnyBones! Congrats!”
Jon Jones defeated Ciryl Gane in just over two minutes to win the 18th undisputed heavyweight champion of the UFC. After the fight, “Bones” declared himself the greatest heavyweight of all time and challenged No. 2 heavyweight Stipe Miocic to the first title defence.
In 2023, Conor McGregor will also make a comeback in the octagon. Before they square battle in the octagon, the former double champion will coach season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter alongside Michael Chandler.
Prior to Jon Jones’ return, ‘Bones’ praised Conor McGregor
Prior to Jon Jones’ return to the octagon, questions regarding Conor McGregor’s impending comeback were directed at the longstanding light heavyweight champion. The former double champion received great accolades from “Bones,” who said: “Conor McGregor is the sole individual. Love you, Conor. What he stands for is wonderful. He is large. His brand is enormous. It’s comparable to our sport in size in certain ways. When he returns, everything will be fantastic. He’ll bring fresh enthusiasm and many more supporters. We all benefit from it. For the sponsors, it’s excellent. For the UFC, it’s fantastic. Conor has my best wishes.”
Jones said that thanks to McGregor’s financial success outside of the octagon, avenues have opened for fighters, particularly the younger generation. Although they have had a number of well-publicized fights throughout their individual mixed martial arts careers, it is obvious that the two competitors value their relationship.
Prior to UFC 285, McGregor showed up at the official weigh-ins and greeted Jones on stage. When ‘The Notorious’ makes a comeback later this year, he’ll try to score his first victory since 2020.
