The term “cocky” has become synonymous with Jon Jones as of late.
Whether you agree or not, the champion’s demeanor has forced some fans to backlash against him leading up to UFC 135, where his opponent, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, doesn’t seem to be too fond of the 24-year-old Jones.
“Jon Jones didn’t respect me at the press conference and I have no respect for him,” Jackson said during a UFC 135 media call.
The ongoing feud between Jackson and Jones has seemingly grown over time, looking to reach its climax this weekend when Jones makes his first title defense against the UFC veteran. Jackson, who has competed in multiple organizations, holds a lot of valuable experience throughout his career and he has defeated some of the sport’s prominent legends in Chuck Liddell and Wanderlei Silva.
“At the press conference in Denver he was saying stuff that was uncalled for. I don’t know if he was joking but I took him serious,” he said.
Along with his experience, Jackson said he is well aware of oddsmakers labeling him an underdog, but if anything, that has motivated the former UFC light heavyweight champion to make statement inside the Octagon and defeat Jones in typical “Rampage” fashion.
“I looked at a bunch of his fights and realized he hadn’t fought anybody like me and people are counting me out,” he said.
“I think Jon will go on to be a better fighter but I don’t want him to have the pressure to be undefeated and I’m the first person to give him that first ass-whoopin so he can go on to be the fighter he can be.”
This is an interesting, bold statement coming from Jackson, considering he said holds nothing personal against Jones. However, the recurring theme is that Jones’ arrogance is continuously being brought up by his fellow peers, including former teammate Rashad Evans.
But regardless of who you believe, Jones’ personality has certainly crossed over and it has turned him into public enemy for everyone to see.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com