Both Conor McGregor and Jon Jones are set to return to the UFC this year. Jones and McGregor are two of the biggest names in UFC history, but what’s the most exciting return to competitive MMA action?
McGregor vs Jones: Who is the most exciting UFC return?
UFC fans are excited at the prospect of both Jon Jones and Conor McGregor returning to UFC action this year. Both men will go on to the UFC Hall of Fame in the future when they hang up their gloves, but for now it looks like both men are ready to reignite their MMA careers next year.
In Conor McGregor you have a man who is, without a doubt, the biggest star in the UFC. Period. Despite being truly inactive and losing three of his last four fights, the Irishman is still the biggest ticket seller on the UFC roster.
In Jon Jones, you have possibly the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. What a year this could be for two of the biggest names in UFC history to return to the Octagon!
Having Jones and McGregor back this year is certainly an exciting prospect. But whose comeback are you more excited about, Jon Jones or Conor McGregor?
Jon Jones will return to action on March 4 for the UFC heavyweight title
We are only a few weeks away from the long-awaited return to action of the great Jon Jones. ‘Bones’ is widely regarded as one of the best MMA fighters to ever grace the planet, and he is set to return to UFC action on March 4th. The Albuquerque, New Mexico man will make his heavyweight debut when he takes on Ciryl Gane. for the vacant UFC heavyweight title.
Jones hasn’t fought since February 2020, but his return is booked for early next month in his heavyweight debut. The former two-time UFC Light Heavyweight Champion is aiming to become a three-time UFC Two-weight Champion when he takes on Gane in the main event of UFC 285 from T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.
The UFC heavyweight title is now on the line after Francis Ngannou apparently vacated the belt to explore other avenues outside of MMA. Now, Jones has the chance to become a two-division world champion and cement his legacy as the greatest mixed martial artist who ever lived. He enters the main event of UFC 285 as the small underdog with the best betting sites abroad.
It’s safe to say that fans can hardly contain their excitement for the 35-year-old’s return. Jones boasts a professional MMA record of 26-1 (1 NC). His only ‘loss’ was a disqualification for using a downward elbow, an illegal move in MMA. So it could be argued that Jones has never lost a fight in his career.
He boasts wins over Daniel Cormier twice, Alexander Gustafsson twice, Vitor Belfort, Chael Sonnen, Glover Teixeira, Shogun Rua, Rashad Evans, Quinton Jackson and Lyoto Machida to name just a few scalps on his resume.
Is it any wonder that fans are on the edge of their seats at the prospect of seeing Jones compete again in the UFC? It won’t be long until the big man officially returns!
Conor McGregor will return later in the year
Conor McGregor is also set to return to UFC action this year. Unlike Jones, though, his return isn’t set in stone yet. It is rumored that ‘Notorious’ will face Michael Chandler at the end of the year in his long-awaited return.
UFC president Dana White recently announced that the former two-division world champion will serve as a coach on season 31 of ‘The Ultimate Fighter.’ Chandler, the man from Missouri, will be coaching alongside McGregor, so it makes sense that McGregor vs. Chandler would happen before the end of the year.
Once TUF season 31 airs, the Irishman is expected to fight the former Bellator lightweight champion. However, so far nothing has been officially booked. McGregor touched down on Thursday, February 16 to begin filming ‘The Ultimate Fighter’ in the coming weeks.
Conor McGregor has not fought in the UFC since breaking his leg in July 2021 in his trilogy fight with Dustin Poirier. He has lost three of his last four bouts in the UFC, but he remains the biggest draw in the sport of MMA. Despite his slump, McGregor would likely be the favorite with the best sports betting apps to take down the Tennessee resident.
A return to action for ‘Notorious’ could break all kinds of pay-per-view records. Fingers crossed he stays in shape, gets back in the gym, and plays with Michael Chandler before the year is out. What a fight that would be!
Who is the most exciting return?
After evaluating the two potential returns of Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, it’s fair to say that UFC fans are excited.
Whether you’re more of a Jones fan, or if McGregor is your man, both are elite fighters and two of the biggest draws the UFC has ever had.
In terms of excitement, Conor McGregor’s return probably has more people talking. On the other hand though, the return of Jon Jones also has fans very excited as he is moving up to heavyweight and aims to cement his legacy as the greatest MMA fighter the world has ever seen.
It really depends on what you like. If you like pre-fight buildup, trash talk and novelty, McGregor’s return is more exciting. If you’re a fan of the UFC and want to see the best fighters fight the best opponents and dare to be great, Jones’ return is more exciting.
Which fighter you prefer and which you are most excited about is up to you. However, there is no denying that 2023 could be one of the best years for the UFC with the return of two of its biggest assets. Fingers crossed both men make it through the gates of the Octagon and fight before the year is out. To you guys!
UFC fans can take advantage of various free UFC bets by visiting the SportsLens website.
