Fighting at a press conference. Jones threatening to kill Cormier when he thought the mic wasn't on. Using his daughter to deliver a warning to Cormier via video online. Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier was huge news in 2014, and a top story, but sadly, it has all been about their antics outside of the cage, not what they're capable of in it. Most of the blame falls on Jones, whose continued inadequacy at protecting his image and watching what he says online has gone past borderline silly right into asinine. When you add to it gay slurs, exposing himself online, taunting fans, and other childish antics, you wonder if, when the Jones era finally comes to an end, the promotion might not want to distance themselves from the champ, especially given he's not as much of a draw as they'd hoped. Yes, the Jones vs. Cormier feud is big, but for all the wrong reasons, highlighting one of the major problems the UFC has had in 2014: getting fans into fights when a ton of trash-talking isn't involved.
Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.
