Conor McGregor and UFC pay tribute after Jon Jones’ NFL star brother passes away at 39

Arthur Jones is no longer with us.

The sports world mourns the loss of Arthur Jones, a Super Bowl Champion and eldest brother to arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time in Jon Jones and fellow NFL star Chandler Jones.

Jones passed away on Friday morning at the age of 39. No cause of death was given.

Jones, a former defensive lineman, won Super Bowl 47 with the Baltimore Ravens in 2013. He also played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Washington Redskins.

The UFC paid its respects to Jones as did their fighter roster.

UFC world reacts to Arthur Jones passing away on Friday

Jones was in attendance for a number of his younger brother’s UFC title fights, never seeing him lose.

Following the unfortunate news on Friday, the premier MMA promotion rolled out a tribute for the late NFL star.

“UFC is saddened to hear about the passing of Arthur Jones,” UFC wrote on Instagram.

“Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones.”

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Conor McGregor, the biggest superstar the sport has ever seen, also paid tribute to Jones.

“Very sad to hear this news,” McGregor wrote on X.

“Arthur was a great man, a friendly giant! God speed Arthur Jones,” McGregor added.

“Truly sad to see someone’s life gone so soon. Our sincere condolences to you Jon Jones and the entire Jones family,” former UFC fighter Josh Thomson commented.

“God Bless Big Bro,” UFC star Clay Guida wrote on Instagram.

“A good dude,” former UFC fighter Derek Brunson said of Arthur Jones.

Jon Jones wanted brother Arthur to join him in the UFC

There was a point in time where Arthur Jones wanted to take an MMA fight.

Like his younger brother Jon, Arthur was a standout wrestler in high school and he even considered a move to MMA during an NFL Lockout in 2011.

“Arthur’s considering it and he’s training,” Jon Jones told ESPN in 2011.

“I just talked to him today and he said ‘man, my jiu-jitsu’s getting so much better.’

“I guess he’s using his wrestling base, and his size alone is crazy to deal with. He’s just a smart dude. I think he’s going to do well if he ever gets cut or leaves the NFL. I’m biased.

“I really want my brother to be in the UFC with me; that would be so sweet.”

“He’s always been a better wrestler than me,” Jones said of his older brother.

“He’s always better than me. I’ve never been a team captain. He’s been a team captain at everything, the football team, the wrestling team. Since day one, he’s been a leader. He’s just gifted. He just has timing, and body coordination, and light feet. Everything.”

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