UFC veteran Jason Von Flue has delivered a stark assessment of what mixed martial arts athletes would be without their devoted fanbase, claiming that without fans, they would simply be “glorified thugs just brawling for fun.”
The comment came during a recent appearance on the MMA History Podcast, where Von Flue, whose name is immortalized in the “Von Flue choke” that bears his name, reflected on his career and the importance of fan support to the sport’s legitimacy.
Von Flue’s perspective was shaped by his early days training at SLO Kickboxing in San Luis Obispo, California, alongside future UFC legends like Chuck Liddell. During this period in the late 1990s, Von Flue admits the team frequently engaged in altercations around town, often using their superior grappling skills to dominate unsuspecting opponents.
“We used to roll up a lot of people in downtown SLO,” Von Flue recalled. “We didn’t know anybody. You bump into us. Hey, you got a problem. What? Next thing you know, arm drag, RNC, I’m hooking somebody’s shoe on the roof.”
The turning point came when Von Flue witnessed a tragic incident where two young men competed over a girl, resulting in one falling and hitting his head on a curb. The victim spent two months in a coma before dying. This event, combined with a dangerous situation in Mexico where Von Flue was shot at, fundamentally changed his perspective on violence.
“There’s always somebody bigger around the corner with a gun,” Von Flue explained. “You get in a match. At the end of the day, you’re trying to kill me. I’m trying to kill you back. You get in a str eet match, you could kill someone.”
It was Chuck Liddell who helped Von Flue understand the crucial role fans play in legitimizing their sport. Von Flue recounted how Liddell would stay after events to sign autographs for every fan, even when his contracted appearance time had ended, while others would leave promptly when their obligations were complete.
“Chuck understands that without the fans, nobody know who Chuck Liddell is,” Von Flue said. “And without the fans, we wouldn’t have a sport. We’d be glorified thugs on the st reet just brawling for fun.”
This philosophy extended beyond just Liddell. Von Flue noted how other UFC stars like Tito Ortiz were similarly fan-friendly, understanding that fan support was essential for the UFC’s survival during its early struggles. The organization was reportedly on the verge of folding before The Ultimate Fighter reality show saved it.
“The UFC is desperate for fans. And the only ways to get them is you got to sign those autographs because they’re the ones buying the pay-per-views, buying the t-shirts, buying the concessions,” Von Flue explained.
Von Flue’s own journey from a brawler to professional athlete exemplifies this transformation. After appearing as an alternate on The Ultimate Fighter Season 2, he went on to compete in the UFC, where he became known for his signature submission hold. His career spanned promotions from small-scale events to the sport’s biggest stage.
Today, Von Flue continues to give back to the MMA community, taking time to interact with fans and teaching martial arts. He credits this fan-first mentality as essential to the sport’s growth and legitimacy.
“When people nowadays recognize me and want a picture, absolutely. I take a picture and then I shake their hand,” Von Flue said. “That’s respect right there. You remember me. You took time out of your life to say, ‘I watched your matches.'”
