How Does It Work? Jon Jones and the MMA Fanbase

When you think of polarized figures in the sport of mixed martial arts, you think of people who act a certain way to get their name out there. Guys like Chael Sonnen and Josh Barnett cut promos reminiscent of "Rowdy" Roddy Piper and Ric Flair to keep the presses filled with their names. It also didn't hurt that these two have been accused of juicing like a prime Ken Shamrock either. You have fighters like Nick Diaz and Michael Bisping, who aren't always the bad guys, but they sure like channeling some of their anger to create a hotheaded persona that alienates some fans.

For others, it works to their advantage. Jason "Mayhem" Miller isn't necessarily a fighter with some of the skills to push him to the elite level of the sport that could garner you a title shot. He has gained a decent following by playing up his natural charisma and eccentrics to appeal to a wide variety of folks. Didn't turn out to bad, huh? Tom Lawlor has made a place for himself in some hearts and minds with his elaborate weigh-in and pre-fight entrances, along with outside the cage antics with Seth Petruzelli.

One figure who doesn't seem to be doing anything to draw eyes to himself outside of his fights in Jon Jones. Sure, he has had some storied rivalries and spats with a few, but these weren't manufactured tiffs. Most would say that "Bones" has done nothing but speak his mind. His mind and personality, however, seem to rub some followers of the sport the wrong way without the polishing of mic skills or shtick to put fans in seats.

Several factors can be attributed to this unexpected heel turn in the eyes of the MMA faithful. We'll take a look at these factors after the jump.

Race: This topic is so often debated for fighters from a multitude of races. Cain Velasquez was pegged as the "first Mexican heavyweight champion in UFC history." Apparently Ricco Rodriguez had never won the title? Maurice Smith's title reign has been completely ignored by Zuffa, leaving it to a footnote in their history. Racism is still a hot issue and MMA isn't totally free from the horrors of it. When you look at Jones, he is a sharp, articulate, and cerebral fighter. He is noted for his constant research of his opponent, typically procuring most of their fights and watching them night in and night out during training camps.

Sadly, there are some people who still think that an African-American who can spout precise analysis and personable interviews is "uppity." To compare, Rashad Evans, often pegged as Jones' arch nemesis in the sport, is impeccably fashionable, amiable, and provides deep insight into the training process and fight breakdowns the sport needs. His keen awareness for the fight game so often lands him as a host on MMA Live, where he often shines in a revolving door of fighters in that panel. Rashad is often booed and jeered, one of the most disliked fighters in the sport. This could stem from his stint on season two of The Ultimate Fighter, his knockout of Chuck Liddell, defeat of Forrest Griffin, and a brash, honest personality which has lead him to be labeled as cocky.

However, on the flipside, you get the comedic Rampage Jackson. A fighter who is just as cocky and honest as his LHW counterparts and former opponents, Rampage is loved and adored by fans across the globe. However, dangerous run-ins with the law, blatant sexual harassment of female reporters, and homophobic rants have not deterred an amazing amount of fans to love and admire Rampage. Because of his legacy, does Rampage get this pass? Or does Rampage's comedic attitude negate all bad deeds and get him accepted by any fans of any kind?

In all of this, Jones seems to get the short end of the stick. His attitude has lead Rashad to call him "a fake ass white boy" and caused for some of his black high school friends to call him "gay" because of his wrestling background. Rashad has been known to sling racial epithets against fighters, such as calling Rampage "an uncle tom." Regardless, the issue of Jones "not fitting" his race in accusations of colleagues and some glaring commentary by some ignorant MMA fans has made this a hot topic.

Religion: The topic is religion in mixed martial arts is often ridiculed. Ben Henderson cannot get an amen and Matt Hughes and Rich Franklin's by the holy book attitudes have soured on fans. The holier than thou attitude that comes with open religious expression has been slapped on Jones, and justifiably so in some cases. His admission that he would snitch on kids smoking pot in high school has left a stigma on the Jones persona.

This issue is pretty trivial to some, but others abhor the fact that a fighter or an athlete in general expresses their joy of winning through prayer. Certainly, it is very strange to think that a religious figure would help aid in the winning of a competition, but if one chooses to believe that, why not? It is their victory to express and thanking a god or holy figure is made out to be a hugely debated issue.

On the other side, people come to watch fights, not Joel Osteen sermons. Is it so much to ask to make MMA just about fighting?

Lack of Skill: The argument is made so often that Jones would be a mediocre fighter if he wasn't as lanky and big as he is. This is perhaps the most weak reason for the Jones hate, but it is still there. The fact that Jones has used his head to tailor his body to his style is a skill in itself. Also, Greco-Roman throws do not teach themselves. Jones' skillset is clearly still something in progress, but to deny the abundance of tools he has honed is baffling.

With the ability to mix up his Youtube striking and Greco throws and trips, Jones has since complemented this with a strong array of crisp kicking and punching techniques, along with the ability to incorporate double-leg and single-leg takedowns into his game. Clearly, he is still flawed in some areas. He hasn't yet sat down on his punches with proper boxing technique and his muay thai doesn't have the crack of an Thiago Alves or an Edson Barboza, but to deny the skill of Jones is ludicrous.

Granted, Jones is incredibly gifted with athletic genes, as referenced by his two high-level football playing brothers. Do all of these gifts in height and reach really tell the tale of Jones' success? Or do the lanky limbs and height cause disadvantages in some cases and is Jones tailoring these to his game an admirable skill?

Persona and etc.: Here is where we run into some of the reasons one could justifiable hate Jones. He does have a bit of a primadonna attitude when it comes to signing replica belts. He also was signing pictures and posters previous to the Shogun fight with a "future champion, 2011" tag. Granted, the first issue is a little catty and eccentric, but David Lee Roth didn't want brown M&Ms and he still sold out stadiums. The second issue is simply a visualization technique.

But, wouldn't it make you mad if your little kid was turned away for buying a belt that his favorite fighter had because "he didn't earn it?" Is it disrespectful to think that a victory is set in stone? Many could argue that these things come along with being an inherently great athlete, while others think that it is a case of inflated bravado that needs to be squashed.

Overall, Jon Jones has done nothing but be himself. Whether your canvas has the painting of a bragging, self-righteous kid or an honest, truthful freak of an athlete, it cannot be argued that Jones is an impeccable man to watch in that cage and that many will tune in to see him fight, win or lose.

SBN coverage of UFC 140: Jones vs. Machida