Issue 091

August 2012

Breaking down Jones–Evans using body language techniques

Joe Bell is a chartered sport psychologist and one of few leading mental performance coaches in the world specializing in combat sport psychology. 

A master of nonverbal communication – aka, body language – Joe Navarro’s expertise was field-tested in the crucible of law enforcement at the highest levels within the FBI’s counterintelligence and counterterrorism units for 25 years. In last month’s issue we put his clinical observations of humans to the test, where he stunned us by analyzing the encounters between foes Jon Jones and Rashad Evans with frightening accuracy. 

Under the tutelage of Navarro (jnforensics.com), we team up in the final chapter of our observational case study of the two light heavyweight superstars of the UFC, and decipher their body language in the lead-up to, and aftermath of, the UFC 145 main event where they finally settled the score. 

THE WEIGH-IN 

The ritualistic weigh-ins and stare down is a small window of opportunity to gauge if your opponent has any chinks in his mental armor before scores are settled. Evans came out initially reserved, and deliberately took his time disrobing. He shows little emotion leaving the impression it’s just another day in the office. 

His vacant stare is almost soulless, his arms stretched out as if on a crucifix, which states no more harm can be done to me, embracing the challenge allowing the moment to smother him. He is confident, calm, and very comfortable which is illustrated by the fact his vital organs are fully exposed. He is not in the slightest fazed by the gravity of situation.

Jones, on the other hand, is a showman, confident and theatrical and he knows how to work the crowd. He stalls his weigh-in by jigging around, though in truth he can’t wait to step on the scales. As his weight is called out he spontaneously combusts, by letting rip a primeval animalistic war cry – a very powerful and extreme display of dominance. 

THE STARE DOWN 

Like two bulls locking horns, both ‘Bones’ and ‘Suga’ look to make their mark on the floor. Interestingly, Jones is now the calmer of the two, moments before he was in a high state of arousal, but he is able to switch to the ‘cold killer’ almost instantly (a useful skill to have as part of a fighter’s psychological arsenal).

However, Evans is not intimidated and doesn’t hesitate pressing forward. Jones towers over him, but his fists and arms are restrained. This demonstrates a high level of self-control and composure. Rashad physically muscles his forehead against Jon’s in attempt to engage eye contact, but fails as Jones refuses and glares down. Out of the two, Evans has the more aggressive look, it is unflinching. 

TOUCHING GLOVES

Up until this point Jones has lead the way in effective displays of intimidation, but here he covers his midsection with his arms. This is submissive and protective. However, with Jones’ capacity to switch between mental arousal states it’s difficult to rule out a double bluff. Whereas Evans, with his hands on his hips and chin up, is dominating with a territorial display of strength and confidence. It’s a warning proclaiming his certitude of winning. Intriguingly, as Herb Dean asks if they wished to touch gloves, it was Jones who offered his hands first which declared to Evans at least for him it is not personal. Evans obliged, but was hesitant at first. 

AND STILL…

When the dust settled it was Jon Jones who remained on the throne and restored his status as top dog of the division. Gracious in defeat, Rashad offers a conceding handshake here, but it is delivered with poise and humility. Evans still attempts to engage eye contact but the champion remains reluctant to reciprocate even with the victory in his wake. This is a significant encounter, and leads us to hypothesize that, regardless of the outcome, Rashad actually comes across as the more self-assured competitor in the end and appears more comfortable in his own skin compared to Jones. 

Life is a movie and not a static picture, stills are only a reflection of that instant in time, nevertheless they can still tell us an enormous amount. Assertive and dominant body language may not win you a fight, but in the battle of mind games it is a great ally and can give you a distinct advantage. Well timed non-verbal cues can take the best and mentally tough fighters off guard. 

If you get inside your opponent’s head and take his eye off the ball, you can damage his performance by up to 60%. Anderson Silva vs Chael Sonnen I is a prime example; Silva may be the best fighter on the planet, but Sonnen hit a nerve in their build up and Anderson was punished for five rounds… Roll on UFC 148 when the non-verbal war begins again.