IF YOU WERE wondering if UFC fighters would ever band together and form a union, the case of Conor McGregor’s ‘retirement’ this week shows it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Fighter after fighter has lined up, not to support the Irish featherweight champion, but to offer to take his place on the UFC 200 card.
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Jon Jones, who fights this weekend at UFC 197, was among those clamouring for the headline spot on 9 July but the former UFC light heavyweight champion also took time out to respect McGregor’s decision.
“Hats off to him for standing up for what he believes is right.” Jones told Fox Sports on Wednesday.
At the end of the day, business is business and the guy obviously has respect for himself and his talent and fights like this will help fighters in the future. I respect his willingness to fight for what’s right.”
Jones, who faces Ovince Saint Preux for the interim light heavyweight belt on Saturday, also stated his belief that this is far from the last we see of McGregor.
“I don’t think he’s retired. I don’t think he’s going to retire. Just a few days ago on his Instagram he said ‘hungry like day one’ and so a guy like Conor he’s a fighter and he is a winner.
“I don’t think he would want to go out on a loss. I think if he doesn’t fight again, his legacy is really that (Nate) Diaz fight. I’m pretty sure he’ll be back.”
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'Business is business' - Jon Jones one of the few fighters defending McGregor's 'retirement'
IF YOU WERE wondering if UFC fighters would ever band together and form a union, the case of Conor McGregor’s ‘retirement’ this week shows it’s unlikely to happen anytime soon.
Fighter after fighter has lined up, not to support the Irish featherweight champion, but to offer to take his place on the UFC 200 card.
Jon Jones, who fights this weekend at UFC 197, was among those clamouring for the headline spot on 9 July but the former UFC light heavyweight champion also took time out to respect McGregor’s decision.
“Hats off to him for standing up for what he believes is right.” Jones told Fox Sports on Wednesday.
Jones, who faces Ovince Saint Preux for the interim light heavyweight belt on Saturday, also stated his belief that this is far from the last we see of McGregor.
“I don’t think he’s retired. I don’t think he’s going to retire. Just a few days ago on his Instagram he said ‘hungry like day one’ and so a guy like Conor he’s a fighter and he is a winner.
“I don’t think he would want to go out on a loss. I think if he doesn’t fight again, his legacy is really that (Nate) Diaz fight. I’m pretty sure he’ll be back.”
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
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it's business time Jon Jones MMA UFC UFC 197 UFC 200