Conor McGregor earns massive respect from Jon Jones ahead of return - "He's just as big as our sport"

Amid recent developments surrounding Jon Jones' positive drug test from the past, 'Bones' offered very high praise for Conor McGregor. With both fighters nearing their return to the octagon after lengthy layoffs, the longtime light heavyweight champion was asked about the Irishman's return. Speaking at the media day for UFC 285, Jones stated:

"There's only one Conor McGregor. I love Conor. I love what he represents. He's big. He has a gigantic brand. In some sense, it's just as big as our sport. It's going to be great when he comes back. He's going to bring a whole new energy, even more fans. It's great for all of us. It's great for the sponsors. It's great for the UFC. I wish Conor all the best."

Jon Jones discussed the example Conor McGregor sets for fighters:

"I love the way he's lived his life. I never thought, in my time, I'd see an MMA fighter with a [Lamborghini] yacht, but he's done it. I'm so proud of him. It opens doors for all of us. It lets young fighters know that it's possible. There's great business [and] life changing opportunities outside of the sport. I'm so grateful for [him] being that example for all of us."

Jones is set to make his highly anticipated return to the octagon when he faces Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 this weekend after a three-year hiatus. McGregor, who has not fought in 18 months, will coach season 31 of The Ultimate Fighter before facing Michael Chandler in his return fight. While the fight does not have a date, it is reportedly being targeted for September.

Check out Jon Jones' comments on Conor McGregor below:

Jon Jones gave Conor McGregor his respect at the UFC 285 media day. https://t.co/vLvwuq72UF

Jon Jones' positive drug test: Why 'Bones' wants Daniel Cormier no contest overturned

Jon Jones was stripped of the light heavyweight title and suspended for 15 months following a failed drug test in which he tested positive for turinabol metabolite. Following a USADA rule change that altered the threshold for a sample to be deemed illegal, 'Bones' shared that he feels vindicated by the cheating accusations:

"USADA has changed some of the rules regarding picogram levels and what's allowed and I've come to find out that all my findings were under the new legal limit, meaning that I would have been cleared from every test I've ever taken, and that means a lot to me."

Check out Jon Jones' full comments below:

Jon Jones feels vindicated by USADA's rule changes after he "took the bullet" with past positive tests.

"It was hell being considered a steroid cheat. I’m glad that people can see clearly now that I never was. I feel set free.”

Full #UFC285 scrum ▶️ youtu.be/p3Dd-SJ7U7c https://t.co/HlXiO3zdB9

While the USADA rule change occurred in 2019, Jones seemingly became aware of the change earlier this week. The longtime light heavyweight champion shared a post discussing the change earlier this week while adding that he feels vindicated.

https://t.co/WFApWoTsSq

I feel officially cleared. There will be no asterick next to any of my performances. It’s good the rest of the world can see what I’ve known this whole time. My only advantage over my competition has been pure Hard work.

While an independent arbitrator handling Jones' positive test at the time ruled that he did not intentionally take the substance, the Nevada State Athletic Commission continued with the suspension. It is unclear if NSAC will reverse its decision to overturn Jones' third-round knockout of Daniel Cormier at UFC 214.