UFC 140: 7 Reasons Fans Want to See Jon Jones Fail

Jon Jones is considered "the future" of MMA. For many fans, that's a future they'd rather avoid.

While Jones' popularity has skyrocketed the past year, so too has ire of fans. The UFC hype machine has gone into overdrive mode with promoting Jones to the public and for his part, Jones has lived up to the hype.

He ran through Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and used a solid game plan to slowly chop away at Quinton "Rampage" Jackson in his first title defense.

However, for a number of reasons (seven in this case), fans just want to see Jon Jones crumble.

7. He's a Greg Jackson Product

Greg Jackson MMA is one of the best training camps in the United States. Unfortunately, it's one of the most populated as well.

A number of high-profile fighters have taken their talents to Albuquerque, N.M. and sought the guidance of the MMA guru.

Fans have to be tired of seeing the same old stable of fighters having continued success and if not for an outspoken moment on Versus TV, we may have been stuck with another "he's my friend; we will never fight" moment.

We don't want to hear the lines about how everyone is such great friends with each other in New Mexico, we want to see the best fights possible.

6. He's Cocky

Jon Jones knows he's good. When people know they're good, they exude a certain confidence in themselves that can be construed as cockiness.

However, when you begin signing autographs as "Jon Jones: Champion 2011" before you win the belt, you don't have too many excuses when it comes to defending yourself. Jones always has a smile on his face when he's doing interviews or on TV and his "smug" rubs fans the wrong way.

There's nothing more satisfying to fight fans than seeing a guy get what's coming to him. Unfortunately for the haters, that day hasn't come for Jones.

5. He Comes Across as Fake to Some

When Jones first broke onto the scene, he came across as very humble. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and always had respect.

But ever since his fight against Ryan Bader, Jones has lost some of his humble appeal. Many fans have been turned off by the recent confidence/cockiness that Jones has these days.

Jones still tries to pull off the humble approach at times and it comes off as fake to fight fans. If you're going to be humble and respectful, that's fine. If you're going to be cocky and arrogant, that's cool, too—but you can't be both.

4. He's Young

Jon Jones has accomplished a lot in his young career. He's a year older than me and has already accomplished more in an MMA career than I ever will.

He amassed a 6-0 record in a matter of months. His rise to stardom has been one of the quickest in MMA history.

The feeling of Jones not having paid his dues leads many fans to be turned off to him. He's accomplished so much at such a young age, which makes fans a little angry he's been able to do a career's worth of work in a matter of years.

3. He's Beaten Fan Favorites

Jon Jones' list of recent opponents can be found at the top of many fans' list of favorites. Shogun and Rampage are two of the most popular 205-pound fighters in history.

Beating them, especially in the manner that Jones has beaten them, no doubt has caused fans to dislike him. Much like his nemesis, Rashad Evans, Jones has seen the fact he's been up against fan favorites work against him.

If Jones would've lost to Shogun or even to Rampage, there would be a lot less negativity towards Jones.

2. He Wins

It's been said "America loves a winner." This is true, but America also loves to hate a winner as well.

Just like the Yankees or the Cowboys, fans love to hate teams that always win. Jones' ability to win with such ease makes him an easy target for negativity.

As Jones continues to win, the dislike from fans will grow as well. You can't win every battle and I'm sure Jones will trade his wins in the Octagon for winning fans over.

1. He Appears to Be Ducking Rashad Evans

Jon Jones has conquered all opponents in his way but one: Rashad Evans.

Evans and Jones have yet to meet in the Octagon and this is the No. 1 reason fans want to see Jones fail.

The public relations debacle following UFC 128 combined with the recent removal of Evans from the UFC 140 bout have made Jones look like a coward to many fans.

Jones can't be held accountable for Evans not being cleared to fight, but his injury that required surgery, then didn't require surgery sure made it look like Jones wanted nothing of Evans.

Fans believe Evans has the best chance of dethroning the champion because of them training together, and until Jones can exorcise his "Rashad demons," we will continue to hear about how Jones is ducking his former partner.