Perez's Take
PEREZ: The UFC 145 Highlight Reel - Five Live in Attendance Reactions to "Jones vs. Evans" Event
Apr 23, 2012 - 11:50:47 PM PEREZ: The UFC 145 Highlight Reel - Five Live in Attendance Reactions to "Jones vs. Evans" Event

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By: Anwar Perez, MMATorch Columnist

This past weekend saw Jon "Bones" Jones beat Rashad Evans via unanimous decision. It was a very intense title fight, that truly, the only surprise was that it went the distance. The night was full of surprises as I was there in attendance enjoying what Atlanta had to offer, and seeing first hand the outcome of UFC 145.

5. Atlanta was out in full force

Usually when the PPV opens, or you are watching the prelims on Facebook or FX, it's noticeable that the crowd usually doesn't fill in yet to watch the early action. Not so in Atlanta. The fans came out in full force and the seats were about two-thirds full for the opening bout. It's nice to see when the UFC hits areas that aren't accustomed to events in their towns, fans show up in droves and more than anything, ensure that this won't be the last time the UFC comes back. Good job Atlanta.

4. No entrances for main card fights

As the prelims began and the fight card progressed to the opening of the main card on PPV, it was noticeable that the first three PPV bouts had no entrances for the fighters. They would just walk in during the talking points or Tale of Tape part before Bruce Buffer made the fighter entrances. I didn't think they were pressed for time, but if that was the case, why not have the prelim fighters not have entrances, while the main card fighters get theirs. I know it's just about the fights, but a great entrance gets the crowd (and no doubt) the fighters amped up. It was just odd.

3. Evolution of the fan

If there are still people out there that think MMA is a niche sport, and that the casual fan doesn't understand the nuances and dynamics of it, need to just be quiet. The crowd oohed and awed as transitions were made from side control to mount or if a fighter got his opponents back while on the ground. The most noticeable thing was when the fighters were standing up, and there was an opportunity to throw a knee from one fighter to another, the entire arena yelled "KNEES" knowing that throwing knees is what a fighter would do in that position. Little things like that show that MMA is becoming more the norm than the niche sport that fundamentalists seem to think it still is.

2. Nothing like live atmosphere

One obvious thing that can be said about watching the UFC in person versus on PPV is the constant party atmosphere that the UFC provides. Music and video is played in between fights or breaks, with the music selection seemingly being geared towards the Atlanta crowd with artists like Lil Jon and T.I. being played. Much has been said about the "Baba O'Reilly" montage that plays before the main card begins, and if you've never seen it, it's truly a remarkable thing. Between having good fights on the card, and what I'm sure was a good broadcast, the UFC made sure that the crowd was entertained throughout the night.

1. Is the Jon Jones bubble close to bursting?

Much has been said about the love/hate relationship that fans seem to be having with Jon Jones. It's another to see it live. Up front, the crowd was pro Jones, but it almost seemed that in direct response, fans would then cheer for Evans. At first I thought it was because people were fans of Evans, but then it became apparent that it was only because he was going against Jones. There seemed to be more of a vocal backlash against Jones, and I'm not sure if it was because there's a backlash against his dominant winning ways, or honestly he's not getting over with the MMA purist, and looked at as a fighter that the mainstream public loves, yet the purists seem to hate. I'm not sure yet, but I do believe the bubble may burst soon for the fans and Jon Jones.

Opinions, thoughts, or comments reach me @anwarsajperez on Twitter