Controversial eye contact had surfaced in the fight with Gustafsson. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The list of critics Jon Jones gained a big name. Bas Rutten, former UFC heavyweight champion, stated that the persistent episodes in which the North American punches his opponents in the eye characterize him as a dirty fighter.
The subject came up again in the light heavyweight champion's last fight, against Glover Teixeira, last month. This made even Dana White, president of the UFC, say that some action should be taken in order to prevent the episode from repeating itself.
Rutten, who was UFC champion in mid-1999, gave his opinion on the program “Inside MMA”, in which he serves as presenter. “He [Jones] is a very calm, relaxed and methodical fighter. Precisely for that reason, I have to say yes, he is a dirty fighter”, commented the Dutchman. “He knows exactly what he's doing at all times, and his fingers are in [his opponents'] faces. And for a long time, he's been rubbing his fingers steadily over his face. So I'm sorry, but I have to say yes.”
Criticism about Jones led the fighter to post a video in which he mocked the subject. “Jones put his finger in his eye! He’s the dirtiest fighter in MMA,” he says, simulating crying.
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