Newly crowned UFC light heavyweight champion Jon “Bones” Jones had a successful return to the octagon over the weekend. The fighter earned a knockout victory over Daniel Cormier in last night’s UFC 214 main event. Following his victory over rival and now former champion Daniel Cormier, Jon Jones shared a few words on another UFC champion.
In the UFC 214 post-fight press conference, as transcribed by MMA Junkie, Jon Jones explained what an inspiration UFC lightweight champion Conor McGregor has been to him.
“Conor McGregor, he has been a tremendous inspiration to me. He has shown me, who has been at the upper echelon of this sport for many years now, he has shown me that these huge paydays are possible.
“I never thought in my time as champion that we would be able to see fighters making $70 million or whatever he’s making for this (Floyd) Mayweather fight. It’s an inspiration that you can do it. I see it as possible, and that’s what McGregor has done for me.”