Mixed martial arts (MMA) legend Bas Rutten is well known around these parts. As a matter of fact, the former King of Pancrase is one of the most respected and listened-to voices in the sport.

So when Rutten stated in a recent interview with The Fight Nerd that former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is putting on a front, it's a good idea to take notice. Through all of his personal turmoil and budding expectations to make a successful return against current 205-pound king Daniel Cormier at UFC 197 on April 23, Rutten suggests "Bones" may not be as confident as he leads on.

"It could be all a front," Rutten said. "The way these fighters nowadays react to these little things. Like they post something about it and right away he has to post a video and saying bad stuff. Chuck Liddell said something, that [Jones] fights conservative, not to finish, and he goes right away all over Chuck Liddell. I don't think that's people who are in control."

While Jones has already beaten "DC" via unanimous decision back at UFC 182, he has gone out of his way to post workout videos and training regiments on social media in an attempt to showcase his recent adjustments following a hit-and-run incident in April of 2015.

Could he be building himself up? Is it possible that all of his media posts are a way to cover up a beaten soul?

While it's absolutely possible, Jones has never lost inside of the Octagon besides a disqualification to Matt Hamill back at The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 10 Finale in late 2009 due to 12-6 elbows. It's highly unlikely that the best light heavyweight fighter in the history of MMA is short on confidence.

But with a long layoff and countless naysayers to silence, there is a strong possibility that Jones is feeling more pressure to forge greatness than ever before leading into his rematch with Cormier.

For more on their upcoming showdown click here.