One thing that I notivce about current UFC champs is that they tend to be...

... generally respectable and classy dudes. Generally. They aren't "bad boys" that mouth off. I think most of them are good role models for kids, have (obviously) amazing discipline) and tend to treat their opponents with some measure of respect. This wasn't always the case (Tito, Shamrock, etc), but look at who the champs are now:

Cain, who is imposing and scary, but generally respectful. (before him JDS, also a "nice guy")

Jon Jones: Okay, he has a DUI and can be cocky, but I still think he's generally a good spokesperson for the sport and Nike seems to think so too.

Anderson Silva: Probably the GOAT and like-wise a classy dude.

GSP: Obvs.

Hendo: Obvs (and Frankie too).

Aldo: I don't know much about him, TBH, but he's an awesome fighter. Not sure what his persona is like outside o the ring, but he came up hard and works for eveything he has.

Cruz: I dunno, he kind of annoys me.

Mighty Mouse: DOn't know much about him. He's plucky!

Anyway, it just seems like the mouthy show boaty assholes just don't cut it at the champ level anymore. Chael Sonnen will probably never wear a belt.

So is there any correlation between the kind of menatlity exhibited by a lot of these champions and their champion status? Or is a coincidence?

 

I dont know what you're talking about, Sonnen is a classy dude.

 

I think Aldo is a very respectable person.

 

I agree. Aldo, Mighty Mouse and Cruz have been nothing but classy and respectful of other fighters and fans. Aldo, in fact, is friendly with everyone. The reason Maynard went to Brazil to train is because they became friends behind the scenes of a show.

That is not to say an a-hole can't be champ. I could name names.

 

Benson Henderson = Bendo

Dan Henderson = Hendo.

and i mostly agree, cruz may not be but he isn't a bad guy either.

 

Probably a good thing too. The champions are good ambassadors of the sport, and help it grow. Though, there is always the entertainment factor when it is "good guy" vs "bad guy". Sonnen, Koshcheck, Diaz etc. all help the promotion aspect. But generally, even the "bad guy" names I mentioned are just good people with a character to portray and help promote themselves. The actual bad behaving fighters (e.g. Junie Browning) just don't cut it in to the sport anymore. MMA has transitioned from "cage brawl" to art and sport which requires discipline and hard work. And the champions demonstrate exactly that.

 

I know he talked so highly of Evan Tanner in that documentry and earns every title shot from beating and finishing top level guys and not just talking out his ass come on TS

 

Nice guys finish first

 

Nat every title shot, let's be real here.

 

Aldo is very respectable and he seems humble... Of course i dont know Portuguese so who knows really. I dont agree with your take on jones. Something about him just rubs me the wrong way big time. I like bendo but at times he can come across as a little to... Not sure the best word to use, cocky confident... But i do like the guy.

I think its more coincedence, cause honestly to make it anywhere near the top you have to be super dedicated and determined. While chael may never get a belt to fight his style of fight for 25 min takes alot of dedication.

 

Uh, you think Rousey is classy? Hmmm....

 

I could name a really BIG a-hole who was HW champ for a little while...

 

I know, I just slipped.

 

I didn't mention her.

 

my buddies told me its because they focus too much on the trash talk, and promotion rather than training?

 

Sure. I named some. Lesnar is probably who you're thinking of. But the trend seems to be increasingly that low key, repectable dudes are winning belts, and brash loud mouths or "bad boys" (Diaz bros) just aren't.

 

Jones stopped a criminal on the day of his fight. I don't think he thought about gaining fans when he did that. He did it because he was a good person. When put in critical situations like that, you see how people truly are. I think Jones is a good guy but is confused on how to portray himself to the general public. He is still young and he will find himself and his character in the years to come.

"Jones is good guy. He is good fighter"

 

Lol @ anderson being classy.

 

Positive attitude brings people closer, making it easier to build a good team around.

 

new belt!!!!!!!!