UFC 128 Fight Card: Jon Jones and the Top 8 Pre-Fight Hype Quotes and Talk

The time has come. As we bear down on one of the most anticipated clashes of the year, we take a look at the top fighter quotes heading into the event.

Jon Jones is the most hyped young fighter we have ever seen. Can he remain composed?

Mauricio Rua looks to defend his belt against the biggest threat in the light heavyweight division. Will he once again rise to the occasion?

Bantamweight stars Urijah Faber and Eddie Wineland clash in what will likely determine the next top contender.

Plus, a showdown between Brendan Schaub and Mirko Cro Cop.

8. Schaub: Big Fights

"it's not just another fight, it's the biggest fight of my life"

Schaub announced himself to the upper echelons of the heavyweight division when he outpointed Gabriel Gonzaga en route to a unanimous decision victory at UFC 121.

His reward is taking on MMA and kickboxing legend, Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipovic.

It is a tall task, and Schaub will have to come in firing on all cylinders or pay the price.

7. Faber: Big Things in Small Packages

"I dont think that theres any debate about the excitement of the lightweight fighters. I'm the best guy out there."

Urijah Faber loves being a star and an exciting fighter, but more than that, he has an internal need to rise to the top.

He does not just want the win; he does not just want to be exciting; Urijah Faber wants it all.

6.Wineland: KO Power

"Everbody that I've ever put my hands on—they've either been rocked or they've been dropped.  I have the power to knock anybody out."

Eddie Wineland is one of the most exciting strikers in the bantamweight division.

When he lands clean, he is a danger to anyone in the division.

He is currently coming off of two consecutive "Knockout of the Night" awards.

5. Filipovic: Surviving a Legend

"He's good...he wont survive three rounds with me."

Mirko Cro Cop has struggled to reach the top of the sport in the way that made him a legend in Japan.

Despite criticisms, Cro Cop feels that he is in perfect health and condition to still take out the toughest men in the world.

Does the old lion have enough bite to put down Schaub?

4. Faber: Finding Opportunities

"I'm dangerous at every aspect of this game. Whatever opportunity he gives me to finish the fight, that's what im looking for, that's what I'll be happy with."

Urijah Faber feels he has more ways to win than his opponent Eddie Wineland.

Although he is dangerous on the feet as well, Faber will probably look to finish this fight on the ground.

3. Schaub: New Fighter, New Quote

"For me It's: left hand- 'fight of the night', right hand- 'knockout of the night.'"

Cro Cop, Scaub's opponent, had a famous quote: "Right leg hospital; left leg cemetery."

Un-phased by his opponent, Schaub offers up a new quote of his own.

2. Rua: Do Not Let History Repeat

"I'll do everything in my power to not let him get a belt at 23 years old."

Shogun Rua admits that there are a lot of similarities in Jones' rise to fame as there was in his own.

Rua was crowned a Champion at just 23 years old and now his adversary is trying to do the same.

A proud champion, Rua is approaching this fight as he should, as the biggest of his career.

1. Jones: Spoken into Existence?

"It’s funny, I’ve been doing some autograph signings and I’ve been signing lately ‘Jon Jones Champion 2011,’ almost as if I’ve spoken it into existence."

Is it confidence? Is it cockiness? Is it just playfulness? 

Whatever it is, Jon Jones sure does not mind putting himself out there for public consumption.

There is still one thing left before becoming champion, however, and that is defeating Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua.

UFC 128: Shogun vs Jones News, Results, and More....