As the top camps in MMA continue to grow with more and more fighters, the potential need for teammate vs. teammate matches increases. Many camps and fighters have long said that teammates would never face off inside the cage. However, fighting the title has never been part of this equation. We are now seeing a situation in John Jones vs. Rashad Evans where the desire to be champion outweighs the feelings against fighting a teammate.
For years Jon Fitch and Josh Koscheck have stated many times that they would never fight each other regardless of the stakes. Other camps and fighters have followed suit, Rashad Evans and Keith Jardine also explained their "brotherhood" and how nothing could motivate them to face off inside the cage. While many have said nearly the exact same thing the true need for teammates to face off hasn't ever occurred. Fans seem to be pretty split on this issue; although the fans have never put much demand in seeing teammates square off. Interestingly enough there have been occasions where not teammates, but Brothers have displayed an interest in fighting one another. Both the Shamrock and Lauzon brothers have not only said they would fight each other but actually also showed interest in a possible fight. Fighters trying to enter The Ultimate Fighter house have been willing to fight just for the opportunity to fight in a competition that would in turn lead to a UFC contract or fight.
If brothers and fighters who haven't even made it yet are willing to fight why aren't many top fighters? This is a question that has long puzzled me, as fighters their sole job is to fight opponents put in front of them, fights that fans want to see. I personally think teammate match ups should be reserved for title situations or to determine a clear number one contender. It seems that most fighters are not shy about sharing how intense their training and sparring sessions are; so why not show the fans in a title match? Multiple fighters have stated that they wouldn't fight a teammate, but go on to say in the same interview that they battle it out on a daily basis with said teammate. Fighters can go to war everyday in preparation for a fight. So why can't they put on an exciting fight to please their fans; and also to earn a paycheck in the process? Many including myself have long thought that the title being added into the picture would change things drastically. Which would cause fans to think that is exactly what has happened with John Jones vs Rashad Evans. Every fighter’s dream is to be the champion, and it seems that at least for Evans; not even a supposed pact to not fight a training partner will stand in the way of fighting for the belt.
At the end of the day fighters get paid to fight. No matter what company or camp they work for they are paid to fight. If any fighter has any aspirations to be the champion and hopes to earn a title shot they must (should) be willing to face anyone and everyone! With all of this said I don't by any means think this is something that should be taken advantage of where training partners are forced to fight just for the sole purpose of seeing teammates fight. However, there are plenty of circumstances where it needs to happen. As fans we can only hope that Jones and Evans can have a great title fight, and continue a professional relationship and help set a new precedent in regards to teammates fighting off.
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