UFC fighter Jon Jones cautions Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey against buying into their own hype

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has cautioned current superstars Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey against buying into their own hype. Jones who many consider as the greatest pound-for-pound fighter in the history of Mixed Martial Arts has experienced the rise as well as the fall that accompanies being in the public spotlight.

Jones, who has never been legitimately defeated in his career, was suspended and stripped of his title in April 2015, following a hit-and-run incident in Albuquerque and in his absence fighters like Conor McGregor and Ronda Rousey emerged to become superstars in the sport and darlings of both the media and the public.

"I know that I can be beat and I think that's why I haven't been beat. Where some of these guys really start to believe their hype. Ronda Rousey, they were saying she's the best fighter of all time and best athlete in the world, stuff like that. And I was happy to hear those types of accolades, but once I realized that maybe she was starting to believe it herself, I knew she was in a dangerous spot", Jon said, as quoted by Yahoo Sports.

The 28-year-old felt the same about the Irishman who is the current featherweight champion. While McGregor proved too much for Jose Aldo in the 146-pound category, his aim to beat a heavier class of opponent fell by the wayside at UFC 202 with Nate Diaz proving too powerful for him, winning by submission in only the second round.

"Conor McGregor saying these things about just being the baddest dude and I'll beat anybody at any weight class, that's foolish stuff. When you believe the hype to that level, that's when you're in danger", he added further.

Jones will next be seen in action at UFC 200 when he faces current light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at T-Mobile Arena on 9 July.