Video: Former UFC Champ Jon Jones Pays Respect to Muhammad Ali

To the greatest

A video posted by Jon Bones Jones (@jonnybones) on Jun 3, 2016 at 10:04pm PDT

The death of boxing legend Muhammad Ali on Friday night touched many people, particularly within the combat sports world.

Ex-UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones offered a heartfelt video tribute via Instagram shortly after it was confirmed that Ali had died from a respiratory condition in a Phoenix hospital at age 74.

"Only a few minutes away from Muhammad Ali's passing, I'll never forget this historic moment," Jones said. "Muhammad Ali has been a huge inspiration to me, not only in my personal life but in my fighting career. He taught me the importance of self-belief. No matter what people said, no matter what the situation was, he showed me that it's OK to just believe in yourself.”

"He raised the bar for mankind. Taught us the importance of standing up for what you thought was right," he continued. "Muhammad Ali was innovative. He was one of a kind. There will never be another Muhammad Ali.

"I just want to thank him for being him. Thank him for being the magnificent example he was. I love you, Ali. Rest in peace and may your family have peace. God bless.”

Jones, who faces Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight title at UFC 200 on July 9, also showed some of his impressive collection of Ali memorabilia. “A few things that I’ll cherish forever,” he wrote.

A few things I'll cherish forever

A photo posted by Jon Bones Jones (@jonnybones) on Jun 3, 2016 at 10:26pm PDT