Hey fellow BElitists I'm also making a run at being a writer for one of SBN's sites. Here is the first thing I wrote and I'd appreciate some comments of constructive criticism. A link to the full thing is after the jump

Much of the discussion about Jon Jones has been centered around his relationship with the fans. Something that has gone unnoticed is relationship with other fighters. I'm not referring to his highly publicized beef with Rashad Evans. I'm referring to the lack of respect many of his opponents have given him despite his ongoing rampage throughout the division. Mixed Martial Arts, like every other sport, has its young and hyped prospects and, like every other sport, there is nothing veterans love doing more than derailing the hype train of the new guy and putting him in "his place."

The first example of this lack of respect was Brandon Vera. He even gave this as the reason for his loss:

The first time I fought him, I didn't respect him at all and that was a super huge mistake. I think a lot of people that fight him the first time end up making that mistake, not respecting his skillset and I for sure won't do that again.

via www.combatlifestyle.com

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