A former opponent of Jon Jones fears the retired UFC legend is starting to behave like Conor McGregor.
The renowned two-division UFC champion recently ended his MMA career, relinquishing his heavyweight title. With Jon Jones stepping down, interim titleholder Tom Aspinall has become the new undisputed heavyweight champion.
After approximately two weeks facing accusations of avoiding potential fights, the now-retired Jones announced his return to the drug testing pool, a necessary step for competing again. Jones also showed interest in potentially fighting at the White House following a proposal from former President Donald Trump for a UFC event there.
Much like the prominent figure McGregor, who hasn`t competed since 2021, Jones is currently generating headlines by hinting at a possible UFC comeback.
Daniel Cormier advises Jon Jones: ‘Please don’t become what Conor McGregor has’
Few fighters possess a deeper understanding of Jon Jones than Daniel Cormier.
In 2017, following his second victory over his long-time rival Cormier at UFC 214, Jones referred to him as his `biggest rival and motivator`. However, Jones` TKO win was later changed to a no-contest after he tested positive for steroids.
Cormier mentions that he has earned significant advertising revenue by discussing Jones, stating that his former opponent`s recent actions remind him of McGregor, in a way he finds unfavorable.
“Jon Jones and I don’t see eye-to-eye in most instances,” Cormier commented on Good Guy / Bad Guy.
“And, boy, he’s been great for my YouTube here this last couple months. Him flopping all over the place has been great for my YouTube.”
“Please don’t become what Conor has become in the media,” Cormier urged Jones.
“Every time a big story breaks, Conor’s like, I’m back, or I’m doing this…
“Don’t do that. Don’t try to make it about you when you voluntarily walked away from this. Conor didn’t voluntarily walk away. Conor got hurt, and he left. He just hasn’t come back.
“Jones voluntarily said I’m done. So now that he’s done, don’t try to make these stories about you whenever you’re a guy that’s supposed to have walked away from the game,” Cormier concluded.
Conor McGregor hasn’t fought in 1,458 days
Conor McGregor, while not officially retired, has not competed for the past four years.
McGregor sustained a broken leg against Dustin Poirier in his last UFC bout on July 10th, 2021. His recovery was extensive, but upon healing, McGregor`s primary focus shifted away from fighting and towards acting.
The Irish fighter made his acting debut in the 2024 reboot of ‘Road House’, appearing alongside major actor Jake Gyllenhaal.
McGregor was initially scheduled to headline UFC 303 against Michael Chandler last summer; however, a broken toe injury led to ‘The Notorious’ completely withdrawing from the fight.
McGregor is currently involved with BKFC and politics, but the superstar has also expressed interest in a potential UFC return at the White House.
Jack Thornley