• UFC 128

Shogun Rua slams 'disrespectful' Jones

ESPN staff
March 18, 2011
Shogun Rua v Jon Jones Countdown

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Mauricio Shogun Rua has displayed his first sign of anger towards Jon Jones, labelling the challenger "ridiculous" for signing his name as 'Champion' ahead of their UFC 128 collision.

Shogun is one of the most revered fighters in MMA, having won the Pride championship at the age of 23 before going on to become UFC light-heavyweight champion with victory over Lyoto Machida.

The Brazilian's legacy is already powerful enough to fill a DVD with highlight reel knockouts, yet it is the youngster Jones who is favourite, and it is Jones who is walking around with the over-confidence of a man who already believes Saturday's fight is in the bag.

Jones has been signing his name 'Champion 2011' in the build-up to the weekend's title showdown, and in Rua's eyes that is a massive sign of disrespect.

"I think his demeanour is ridiculous," Rua told MMA Fighting with a steely look in his eye. "You cannot go signing as the champion when you're not the champion. That's disrespectful.

"Each and every fighter has his only personality, everyone has to talk the talk and walk the walk. He has to stand by his actions and pay his bills.

"I really don't like his behaviour but now he has to back up the talk."

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