Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones was closely watching the UFC Fight Night 81 event on Sunday night.

Jones who has been out of competition after being suspended and stripped of his title for legal troubles back in 2015 is looking at the new bantamweight champion for inspiration in his own return to the Octagon. Dominick Cruz who has battled injuries has only fought three times in the Octagon in the past four years. His title fight on Sunday against T.J. Dillashaw was his first fight since his win over Takeya Mizugaki, which took place in September 2014.

Cruz said in his interview in the Octagon after being awarded the split decision victory that “rust does not exist, unless you don’t train hard enough.”

With Jones recently being reinstated by the UFC, it has been over a year since the former champion has fought in the Octagon and is truly inspired by Cruz.

Man if Cruz wins how inspirational would that be. Enjoy watching them both but I think I'm rooting for Dominic https://t.co/XHdtAzaXee

— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 18, 2016

"Remember, ring rust is nothing more than mental weakness." ~Dominick Cruz Congratulations Champion #Inspired

— BONY (@JonnyBones) January 18, 2016

How do you think Jon Jones will do in his return fight in the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comment section!