UFC 140 Results: Will Jon Jones Ever Become a Fan Favorite?

This is somewhat of a loaded question.  

Jon Jones has a large amount of fans already and it's easy to see why.  He wins his fights and does so in an exciting fashion. He beats the best fighters in the world, all while proving he is the best in the world.

So how is he not already a fan favorite?

Well, it depends on the definition that is used.

One way of looking at the term "fan favorite" is within the context that a fighter is able to put on exciting fights. Regardless of how they are outside of the cage, they still are worth the money they are paid to step inside the Octagon and fight.

In this way Jones has already succeeded. He is definitely exciting to watch and brings in fans—both casual and serious—who want to see what crazy move he might come up with next, or how he will end up dominating his foe in his next outing.

So Jones has already accomplished this, if it is what "fan friendly" is supposed to imply.

The title can also be used for exploits outside of the cage.  There are plenty of fighters who aren't at the top level that are still loved by the fans.  Plenty of fighters are willing to engage with the fans, if their record is 7-0 or even 1-6. Top fighters might not have to be polite, but it helps.

In this sense, Jones has a little bit of work to do.  Some fans and journalists have already debated this question. It's tough to pin down as fighters have to have an enormous amount of self-belief to do what they do. To some it might make them seem cocky.  

This is the case with Jones.  

He has accomplished so much in so little time and it may have lead to a swelled head—or he may just have always been this confidant and fans are finally seeing it.

As hard as it may seem, though, a fighter can be both.  Great examples are fighters such as Chuck Liddell, Wanderlei Silva and Rich Franklin.  Each man is humble with who he is, yet each makes exciting fights.

It is also no coincidence that each of them is one of the biggest stars in MMA.  If Jones wants to reach that level, half of the battle is to continue winning the way he has in the cage. 

The other half is a little harder.  It's realizing that for all of the physical gifts he has, for all the wealth he has already accrued and for all the fame he has garnered, he still needs to be thankful and willing to acknowledge where he started.

Not just basking in the now.

Be sure to stay tuned to Bleacher Report for all things UFC 140. B/R is your home for complete coverage of the December 10 fight card, including results and post-fight analysis.