Chael Sonnen details difference between Jon Jones' and Conor McGregor's UFC absence

Conor McGregor and Jon Jones have spent time away from the sport and haven't competed much in the past few years. Chael Sonnen has now detailed what makes the pair of stars' situations completely different.

'The Notorious' has established himself as a fantastic businessman who has managed to earn millions outside of his fighting career. The Irishman fought his way to becoming a global megastar and is attempting to continue growing his brand with new opportunities, with his most recent venture being acting.

Ahead of the World MMA Awards earlier this month, Chael Sonnen discussed Conor McGregor and former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, saying:

"I think that they're in very different spots, right? Jon Jones is a prize fighter. He hasn't fought in a long time, he needs the prize, he needs to fight. Conor McGregor wants to fight. I think that's a meaningful difference."

Rumors suggested that 'Bones' was ready to return at a much earlier date. However, a reported dispute with the UFC and Dana White over his payment led to a much longer hiatus from the octagon than first expected.

Check out what Chael Sonnen had to say about the two superstar athletes in the video below:

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When will Jon Jones return to the octagon?

Unlike Conor McGregor, Jon Jones has the sole focus of returning to the octagon and has been training hard for multiple years to put on weight.

Standing atop the heavyweight mountain is the devastatingly powerful striker, Francis Ngannou. Ngannou is also currently enduring a spell on the sidelines as he looks to recover from surgery.

Both 'The Predator' and Jones are looking to step foot back into the octagon in the near future. Meanwhile, rumors are beginning to mount that suggest the two are going to be pitted against one another in a heavyweight title fight sometime next year.

According to Francis Ngannou's coach, Eric Nicksick, UFC 285 on March 4 billed for Las Vegas, Nevada, could see the champion return, with all reports pointing toward Jones as the opponent.