It’s clear that the UFC anticipates Jon Bones Jones becoming the next star in the sport based on the way they’ve promoted him for his UFC 128 clash with Mauricio Shogun Rua. They aired a special on Jones on Spike TV Thursday called “In the Moment” showcasing Jonny’s path to the title. Did they do the same with Shogun? Not that I saw. They also made an impromptu decision to give Jones a title shot when Rashad Evans got hurt despite him having less than two months between fights.
It’s pretty clear that the UFC is hoping Jones wins so they can continue to market him, and there’s little doubt that Bones is an emerging star. But is he getting too overconfident prior to the fight?
We’ve talked before about Jonny’s mental approach to dehumanizing opponents before facing them in the ring. It’s a brilliant approach, and it certainly has resulted in success in the octagon. But does this mental approach include already signing autographs as “Jon Jones Champion 2011” before he’s already won? If that’s just part of his mental visualization then I can understand it, but it also can be a sign that he’s too overconfident to the point he may not be properly prepared.
It doesn’t just stop there — Jones has said Shogun can be mentally broken, and he seems concerned about getting in Shogun’s head more than anything else. On the other side, you get the sense Rua feels disrespected and is quietly saving up to prove himself in the ring.
Like I’ve said before, I love Bones’ mental approach to fights, but there is concern he may be talking too much and getting too overconfident for this one. We’ll see what happens in Newark, but there is a reason to be worried if you want Bones to win.
