Fellow columnist Tim McTiernan wrote a great piece just a few hours ago detailing the immediate reactions from fighters when it came to the news of UFC 151‘s sudden cancellation.
Now that the dust has settled and the news has spread, a great many more fighters are chiming in both in support of and against Jon Jones.
One of the most vocal, and well-regarded, supporters of Jones’ decision so far has been lightweight champion Ben Henderson.
So please quit disparaging my boy @jonnybones…it’s EASY to say u’d put it all on the line but he actually has & does…#respect homie
— Benson Henderson (@BensonHenderson) August 23, 2012
“Bendo” is not the only fighter supporting Jones. Add Roy Nelson, “King” Mo Lawal and Josh Barnett to that list.
@dennishallman R u really that dumb? UFC is the promoter not @jonnyboneshe is making sure his business is ok, because nobody else is.
— Roy Nelson (@roynelsonmma) August 24, 2012
The disrespectful dumb ass fans gonna be the reason why fighters might not take them fights for yall wanna see. Fairweather.
— King Mo (@KingMoFH) August 23, 2012
I wouldn’t say that Jones or his camp had any intention to shit-can a whole card either. They likely see it as “bigger fish to fry”.
— Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) August 23, 2012
Naturally, some fighters are making light of the situation.
Good thing I saved up for my next fight. twitter.com/Cruickshank155…
— Daron Cruickshank (@Cruickshank155) August 23, 2012
Hahahah RT @mmaoverload: @cowboycerrone I am sending you a bunch of weight gainer protein. U can add 50lbs by next week and beat Jones .
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) August 24, 2012
Other fighters, like Urijah Faber, are expressing sympathy for the undercard fighters while avoiding criticisms of Jones.
Just talked 2 @cruickshank155 & @lastcall155 really unfortunate that these guys spent time & effort & money without a payday.
— Urijah Faber (@UrijahFaber) August 24, 2012
However, the majority of reactions have been substantially less-accepting (and not especially funny).
@jonnybones Can I at least get one of your new Nike T-shirts? I’ll give it to my kid since I won’t have any money for her school clothes.
— Jeff Hougland (@JeffHougland) August 23, 2012
Jones said he’s not fighting chael on 8 days notice. I did. …. Just sayin
— michael (@bisping) August 23, 2012
Hey @jonnybones thanks for being so considerate to your fellow fighters, what a model champion. I guess we can stop the Ali comparisons.
— Dennis Hallman (@DennisHallman) August 23, 2012
Hey @danawhite Please! Don’t bump me from the main card �� I always come to fight @ufc #UFC152
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) August 23, 2012
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