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Conor McGregor lead the tributes for Arthur Jones, former NFL star and brother of UFC legend Jon Jones, after his shock death at 39.
The Baltimore Ravens announced on Friday afternoon that Super Bowl-winning defensive tackle Jones had died at his home in Syracuse, New York.
According to News Channel 9, his pacemaker had reportedly gone off, automatically alerting his doctor but he has already passed away by the time EMS arrived on the scene. Jones had a pre-existing heart condition.
Tributes from NFL fans, Ravens fans and MMA fans flooded in for Jones and now UFC legend McGregor has offered a heartfelt tribute.
Taking to X, the Irishman wrote: ‘Very sad to hear this news, Arthur was a great man, a friendly giant! God speed Arthur Jones’.
Similarly, the official UFC account on X wrote: ‘UFC is saddened to hear about the passing of Arthur Jones. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones’.
UFC legend Conor McGregor shared an emotional tribute to Arthur Jones on social media
The Baltimore Ravens announced Super Bowl-winning defender Jones had died on Friday
Jones is the older brother of UFC legend Jon Jones (left) and ex-NFL star Chandler Jones
Meanwhile, UFC commentator Jon Anik wrote: ‘This is profoundly sad. As you can see from the outpouring of love, Arthur touched so many lives in our UFC community with his warmth and that smile.
‘My heart is heavy for Jon and the entire Jones family’.
His brother Jon, who is regarded as the greatest UFC fighter in history, is yet to comment on the situation.
Arthur had been spotted by Jon’s side throughout his esteemed MMA career, notably on stage at weigh-ins or in the stands when ‘Bones’ was fighting.
Jon recently retired from the sport but announced he’d be willing to comeback to feature on the highly-anticipated UFC card set to be hosted at the White House.
However, UFC chief Dana White has suggested that Jones is not reliable enough for them to book him on the card and, thus, it seems that he will miss out.
His brother Arthur, meanwhile, spent four seasons with the Ravens after being picked by the team in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft, before enjoying brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the formerly-named Washington Redskins.
The Rochester-born defender, who is the older brother of ex-UFC Heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former New England Patriots star Chandler Jones, announced his retirement at the end of the 2017 season.
It was in Baltimore where he got his hands on a Super Bowl ring, after helping the team defeat the San Francisco 49ers in the 2012 showpiece.
Jones sacked 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick in the dying seconds of that triumph in New Orleans , where he also registered a fumble recovery to earn himself a special place in Baltimore history.
McGregor and Jones have a close friendship having both been stars in the UFC
‘We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones’s sudden passing,’ Ravens executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement on Friday.
‘Arthur’s presence was a gift to everyone he encountered. His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others.
‘He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic – always displaying a love for family, teammates and friends.
‘We send our deepest condolences to the Jones family and all who loved Arthur.’
