Jon Jones is feeling pretty comfortable at the top of the 205-pound division.
The 24-year-old Jones, who recently won the light heavyweight crown earlier this year at UFC 128, is set to make his second title defense this weekend when he stands across one of the more difficult opponents of his career in Lyoto Machida.
Jones only made his debut three years prior, and now sees himself sitting atop the light heavyweight division. The quick transition from prospect to superstar would overwhelm most UFC fighters, but not “Bones.”
Jones told MMAWeekly.com that while some fighters force themselves to do media appearances, he said he embraces the opportunity and is more than willing to promote himself.
“I absolutely embrace the role,” Jones said. “I can’t do that refusing to do interviews, refusing to show up here, refusing to show up there. I get out there and get my face out there, I get my personality out there.”
Since Jones snatched the title out of the hands of Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, there has been a considerable amount of exposure surrounding him; it’s one of the main priorities as champion. And as champion, Jones only hopes to improve his image among the media and become a role model for younger viewers or other aspiring mixed martial artists.
And while appearing in the public eye, Jones said staying true to himself is all that matters.
“It’s important to always be yourself and always put your best foot forward,” he said. “It’s just something that I’m aware of, the importance of being myself in the most positive way.”
Jones added that while the media can be distracting, he keeps an open mind and doesn’t pay attention to it. Ultimately, the outcome of the bout is most important to him.
“It really doesn’t matter what I do before the fight, as long as my mind is in the right place, I’ll be fine,” he added.
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