Jon Jones has snubbed Conor McGregor when naming his top five greatest UFC fighters of all-time.
Jones is set to make his hotly-anticipated return to the cage this weekend when he challenges UFC heavyweight contender Cyril Gane for the vacant title at UFC 285 in Las Vegas. 'Bones' has not fought since 2020 when he defeated Dominick Reyes but he will put his skills to the test after making the switch up to the top division.
Equally UFC fans are set to be treated this year with superstar McGregor also set to end his hiatus from the octagon when he will take on Michael Chandler as part of the UFC's latest series of The Ultimate Fighter. The Irishman is considered one of the best to ever grace the octagon having become a two-weight king during the prime of his career.
However Jones has named the likes of McGregor's bitter rival Khabib Nurmagomedov and even himself ahead of the former double-champion. "I would say - if I'm allowed - I would say myself, Anderson Silva, Georges St-Pierre, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Jose Aldo. Those are my favourites at least," Jones told RMC Sport when naming his UFC 'Mount Rushmore'.
"I love what Khabib represents. We’ve had our differences in the past, I’ve made some quotes about him. But there’s never really been a real beef. I love the way he carries himself as a Muslim, I love the way he represents his country. I love the businessman that he is. He just seems like a stand-up guy, gives back to others. He’s a stand-up guy, an admirable man. I appreciate his existence.”
McGregor has suffered a significant decline since the days he spent at the peak of his career where he defeated the likes of Jose Aldo, Max Holloway and Eddie Alvarez. However the Irishman believes he has what it takes to make a successful return in the octagon, and could even look to challenge for a title at 170lb if he beats Michael Chandler.
Would you include Conor McGregor in your top-five? Let us know in the comments section below
Jones has yet to lose since stepping in the UFC octagon which is seeing the promotion bill him as the 'greatest of all-time'. However Chandler believes his upcoming contest with McGregor shows that the Irishman is an even bigger name than the American heavyweight.
“Fighting Conor, that’s always been my goal,” Chandler said. “This is going to be the biggest fight of 2023. This is even bigger than Jon Jones, this is Conor McGregor. Conor chose me for a reason. I’m a tough matchup for him, but Conor is hungry. He knows I’m unbreakable. That’s the fight he wants, which speaks a lot about him.
“I have always thought a fight against Conor would be the biggest opportunity for me, but embedding myself in The Ultimate Fighter, that could be even more valuable. It allows me to be seen in a different light. I am motivated about what I can do here."
