Jon Jones backs Conor McGregor and defends Alex Pereira video ahead of UFC 329

Former UFC champion Jon Jones, speaking from a Moscow interview, said Conor McGregor “doesn’t need to fight” because he has already built a successful career, but he praised the Irish fighter’s willingness to return, noting “I’m rooting for him, I’m proud of Conor.” Jones also addressed controversy over a viral video he posted after Alex Pereira’s loss to Ciryl Gane, insisting the footage – featuring a GOAT‑necklace – was meant as a message to his own critics, not a personal slight. He stated, “I meant no disrespect to Alex… my video was a message to all my haters.” The remarks came ahead of the upcoming UFC 329 event.