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By: Mike Bacior, MMATorch Contributor
December 5, 2009. The Ultimate Fighter 10 Finale. After brutalizing Matt Hamill early, Jon Jones makes a critical mistake in throwing a couple of 12-6 elbows, leading to a disqualification loss. After the fight, Jones endears himself to UFC fans everywhere with his humble acceptance of the outcome, saying that he made a mistake, there is no longer any pressure of being undefeated, and giving glory to God. A young and promising prospect now has more fans then ever on his side, and the future still looks bright even after this unfortunate loss.
Fast forward to September 24, 2011. Jones is now the UFC Light Heavyweight Champ, and he's just made his first title defense in a convincing submission victory over a tough Quinton "Rampage" Jackson. His performances have been nothing but spectacular. However, something is different now, and fans have become increasingly divided on the subject of Mr. Jones. Many claim that his head has become too big, too fast, and that he is not the humble fighter he makes himself out to be. Others still support the champion, saying that those who have turned against him are just mad because he has taken out one of their favorite fighters in Shogun or Rampage.
So who is Jones, is he the humble hero? Or is he the "cocky" villain? The answer lies somewhere in between. Jones probably is the religious man he paints himself as, and inside he seems to be a reasonably good person. He even chased down a robber on the day of his first title fight! But Jones does say many things that make him seem a very arrogant man.
However, put yourself into his position. You are the youngest champ in UFC history, blowing away every opponent that has been put in front of you, and have yet to face any real adversity in the cage. Of course your head is going to get a little bigger. Of course you are going to start to think you are the greatest. It is only natural, and Jones is only a human. Does that mean he is a bad person? No, not at all.
His extremely confident (it is hard to say overconfident when he has performed this well) attitude has, and will certainly continue to rub many people the wrong way, which is understandable. The best approach to Jones is to simply sit back, and enjoy his incredible talents in the cage. He can not be painted a hero or a villain, he is just an extremely talented young fighter who will continue to do great things for many years. Enjoy.
Feel free to follow me on Twitter @MikeBaciorMMA for my uncensored MMA commentary.
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