Issue 090

July 2012

Joe Bell is a chartered sport psychologist and one of few leading mental performance coaches in the world specializing in combat sport psychology. Here, how to read your opponent and get the edge.

According to Joe Navarro, an ex-FBI special agent/spy-catcher (really) and a recognized foremost authority on reading nonverbal communications, “approximately 60% of all human communication is nonverbal and 20% is tone. That means 80% of what we say isn’t coming out of our mouths.”

FO has been following the nonverbal sparring (i.e. body language) between two exceptional warriors of the Octagon involved in one of the most anticipated grudge matches in recent UFC history: light heavyweights Jon Jones and Rashad Evans. Their heated rivalry was spawned from a friendship that involved a pact whereby they would never battle against one another in the Octagon. After a year of mudslinging and trash talk, that came to a head at UFC 145 in April. With the help of the aforementioned former FBI counterintelligence/counterterrorism supervisor and body language expert to cast his eye over a few time-lined pictures featuring the pair of protagonists, and with no prior or existing knowledge of MMA or the UFC, Navarro reveals a hidden dialogue between Jones and Evans that even they may not be aware of themselves.  

Picture one was taken on the night of UFC 126, just prior to Jones guillotining Ryan Bader for a shot at the title, shortly before the rift. 

“Jon is slightly insecure,” explains Joe, “this is demonstrated by the protective positioning of his right hand on his left arm, it is high up. Also Jon is using his left leg to block Rashad. The way Rashad is facing (ventral fronting) which says, ‘I am not alarmed by you,’ and if you notice his right leg, it is very close to Jon’s which also cements his attitude, ‘I have nothing to fear from you.’ A classic alpha male display by Rashad.” 

Image two Jones had literally just become world champion after ploughing through ‘Shogun’ Rua in the very same cage pictured at UFC 128 in March last year.

“You can see a lot of intimidation and dominance displayed on Jon’s part here,” says Joe. “He offers an assertive handshake (manipulating Rashad’s hand down) but purposefully maintains physical distance by lengthening his arm. The intimidation Jones wants to convey is countered by Evans, who appears equally confident but with an air of sophistication. Both men are asserting their dominance but in different ways. Jon’s height gives him a slight advantage which he is using wisely as he is literally looking down on Rashad. I would say this is a stalemate encounter.” 

A promotional press conference for their UFC 145 bout in photo three, UFC president Dana White has just asked them to square off.

“This is an interesting image; it appears the tables have done a 180 from the first picture,” says Navarro. “Rashad, it is clear, is trying to violate the space of Jon and attempting to lure Jon in by using an intense stare. Unfortunately it is not working because Jones is ventrally exposing himself, with his hands behind his back and exposing his abdomen, this says you are not a threat to me. Holding your ground is a difficult thing to achieve when vital areas of the body are exposed to potential threats. By not meeting Evan’s glare and taking the bait Jones takes control of the situation. Jon appears to be a clearly different person compared to the first picture. Here he seems self-assured, calm and unfazed whereas Rashad is visibly wound up”. The champion, Jones, has the clear upper hand in this confrontation.

Shot four was snapped immediately after the square-off pictured before. “Interesting posturing here, the faces here say it all,” Joe stamps. “Jon is proud, clearly happy, relaxed and comfortable in his own skin while Rashad, well, he looks uncomfortable in a suit. People who place their hands in their pockets usually signify they’re hiding something. I’m not sure what he is hiding. It is usually a sign of weakness or vulnerability, physical or emotional, most likely physical. Although Rashad may not appear happy he remains stoic. Jones tips the scales again.” 

This observational case study concludes in part two next issue, as we follow ‘Bones’ and ‘Sugar’ into their unavoidable clash at UFC 145.

Joe Navarro’s number-one bestseller, What Every BODY Is Saying: An Ex-FBI Agent’s guide to Speed-Reading People is available now at Amazon.com.