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{{Short description|American real-life superhero}}
{{pp-pc1}}
{{pp-pc1}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Phoenix Jones
| name = Phoenix Jones
| image= File:Phoenix Jones flyering.jpg
| image = Phoenix Jones flyering.jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Jones without his mask in 2013, distributing flyers describing a wanted criminal
| caption = Jones without his mask in 2013
| birth_name = Benjamin John Francis Fodor
| birth_name = Benjamin John Francis Fodor
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|05|25}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|05|25}}<ref>[https://www.instagram.com/p/CPfyg1TBg6Q/ Phoenix Jones' Instagram]</ref>
| birth_place = [[Texas]]
| birth_place = [[Texas]], U.S.
⚫
| nationality =
| death_date = <!-- {{Death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date then birth date) -->
| death_place =
| other_names =
| relatives = [[Caros Fodor]] (brother)
⚫
| nationality = American
⚫
| known_for = Confronting alleged lawbreakers [[Real-life superhero|while dressed in a superhero costume]].
| other_names =
⚫
| occupation = {{hlist|Costumed [[vigilante]]|WSOF fighter<ref>Nicole Neroulias, [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-superhero-arrest-idUSTRE79B4DI20111013 "Seattle's superhero vigilante has his day in court"], ''Reuters'', 13 October 2011</ref>|mixed martial artist}}
⚫
| known_for = Confronting alleged lawbreakers [[real-life superhero|while dressed in a superhero costume]].
⚫
| occupation = Costumed [[vigilante]], WSOF Fighter<ref>Nicole Neroulias, [https://www.reuters.com/article/2011/10/13/us-superhero-arrest-idUSTRE79B4DI20111013 "Seattle's superhero vigilante has his day in court"], ''Reuters'', 13 October 2011</ref> (Phoenix Jones disputes this label),<ref>[https://www.facebook.com/notes/phoenix-jones/my-public-statement-about-not-being-charged-with-a-crime/230199183711884/ My Public Statement About Not Being Charged With A Crime | Facebook<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> mixed martial artist
}}
}}


⚫
'''Phoenix Jones'''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/201108/real-life-superheroes-phoenix-jones |publisher=[[GQ]] |title=It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's ... Some Dude?! |date=2011-08-01}}</ref><ref name="KOMOprofile">{{cite web |url=http://komonews.com/archive/phoenix-jones-real-life-superhero-11-21-2015 |publisher=[[KOMO News]] |title=Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superhero |date=2010-11-19 |access-date=2016-07-21}}</ref> (born '''Benjamin John Francis Fodor''';<ref name="STimesCourt">{{cite news|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/seattles-superhero-phoenix-jones-bound-for-court/|title=Seattle's 'superhero' Phoenix Jones bound for court|author=Sara Jean Green|date=2011-10-11|newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]]}}</ref> May 25, 1988) is an American [[real-life superhero]] and [[mixed martial artist]]. Initially wearing a [[ski mask]] to intervene in a public [[assault]], Fodor later developed a full costume and adopted "Phoenix Jones" as a pseudonym. From 2011 until its dissolution in 2014, Jones was the leader of the [[Rain City Superhero Movement]], a Seattle, Washington-based citizen patrol group that described itself as a crime prevention brigade.<ref name="Metronews">{{cite web |last=Fezzani |first=Nadia |url=http://metronews.ca/features/world-of-real-life-superheroes/119045/the-day-phoenix-jones-revealed-himself-to-the-world/ |title=The day Phoenix Jones revealed himself to the world &#124; Metro |publisher=Metronews.ca |date=2012-04-26 |access-date=2012-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120609005131/http://metronews.ca/features/world-of-real-life-superheroes/119045/the-day-phoenix-jones-revealed-himself-to-the-world/ |archive-date=2012-06-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reallifesuperheroes.org/tag/rain-city-superhero-movement/ |publisher=RealLifeSuperheroes.org |title=Rain City Superhero Movement |access-date=2011-10-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020215139/http://www.reallifesuperheroes.org/tag/rain-city-superhero-movement/ |archive-date=2011-10-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
{{infobox
|above=Power Ratings<ref name="OHOTMU Power Grids">{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/universe/OHOTMU:Power_Grids#axzz4na5D9LmT |title=Marvel Universe Wiki - OHOTMU Power Grids |website=Marvel |access-date=July 22, 2017}}</ref>
|label1=Strength
|data1=2
|label2=Intelligence
|data2=3/4
|label3=Energy Projection
|data3=1
|label4=Fighting Ability
|data4=5
|label5=Durability
|data5=5
|label6=Speed
|data6=2
}}

'''Phoenix Jones'''<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gq.com/news-politics/newsmakers/201108/real-life-superheroes-phoenix-jones |publisher=[[GQ]] |title=It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's... Some Dude?! |date=2011-08-01}}</ref><ref name="KOMOprofile">{{cite web |url=http://komonews.com/archive/phoenix-jones-real-life-superhero-11-21-2015 |publisher=[[KOMO News]] |title=Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superhero |date=2010-11-19 |accessdate=2016-07-21}}</ref> (born '''Benjamin John Francis Fodor''', 1988<ref name="STimesCourt">{{cite news
|title=Seattle's 'superhero' Phoenix Jones bound for court
|url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016465812_phoenix11m.html
|author=Sara Jean Green
|newspaper=[[The Seattle Times]]
|date=2011-10-11
⚫
}}</ref> in [[Texas]]) is an American [[real-life superhero]]. Initially wearing a [[ski mask]] to intervene in a public assault, Fodor later developed a full costume and adopted "Phoenix Jones" as a pseudonym. From 2011 until its dissolution in 2014, Jones was the leader of the [[Rain City Superhero Movement]], a [[Seattle, Washington]] based citizen patrol group that described itself as a crime prevention brigade.<ref name="Metronews">{{cite web|last=Fezzani |first=Nadia |url=http://metronews.ca/features/world-of-real-life-superheroes/119045/the-day-phoenix-jones-revealed-himself-to-the-world/ |title=The day Phoenix Jones revealed himself to the world &#124; Metro |publisher=Metronews.ca |date=2012-04-26 |accessdate=2012-05-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.reallifesuperheroes.org/tag/rain-city-superhero-movement/ |publisher=RealLifeSuperheroes.org |title=Rain City Superhero Movement}}</ref>


Jones says the best way to prevent getting mistaken for a criminal by the police is to wear a "supersuit",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.livedash.com/transcript/good_morning_america/7/KGO/Friday_January_7_2011/544478/ |title=Transcript for Good Morning America, January 7, 2011 |publisher=Livedash.com |date= |accessdate=2011-10-11}}</ref> although local police have expressed concern that the strange costumes may lead to emergency calls from citizens who mistake the "superheroes" for criminals.<ref name="abcnews"/> Jones says that all members of the Rain City Superhero Movement have a military or mixed martial arts background.<ref name="PI Alerted">{{cite news
Jones says the best way to prevent getting mistaken for a criminal by the police is to wear a "supersuit",<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.livedash.com/transcript/good_morning_america/7/KGO/Friday_January_7_2011/544478/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219031054/http://www.livedash.com/transcript/good_morning_america/7/KGO/Friday_January_7_2011/544478/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-02-19 |title=Transcript for Good Morning America, January 7, 2011 |publisher=Livedash.com |access-date=2011-10-11 }}</ref> although local police have expressed concern that the strange costumes may lead to emergency calls from citizens who mistake the "superheroes" for criminals.<ref name="abcnews"/> Jones has said that all members of the Rain City Superhero Movement have a military or mixed martial arts background.<ref name="PI Alerted">{{cite news
|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Police-alerted-to-superheroes-patrolling-Seattle-821425.php
|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Police-alerted-to-superheroes-patrolling-Seattle-821425.php
|title=Police alerted to 'superheroes' patrolling Seattle
|title=Police alerted to 'superheroes' patrolling Seattle|date=2011-06-01|newspaper=[[Seattle PI]]|author=Casey McNerthney}}</ref>
|date=2011-06-01
|newspaper=[[Seattle PI]]
|author=Casey McNerthney
}}</ref>


Jones is also a [[mixed martial artist]] signed to [[World Series of Fighting]], where he has fought at two [[catchweight]]s, which included fighting his older foster brother [[UFC]], [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]] and [[ONE Championship]] fighter [[Caros Fodor]].
Jones is signed to [[Professional Fighters League|World Series of Fighting]], where he has fought at two [[catchweight]]s, which included fighting his older foster brother, [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]], [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]], and [[ONE Championship]] fighter [[Caros Fodor]].


==Adoption of persona==
==Adoption of persona==
Jones says he wanted to take policing matters into his own hands after a few incidents changed his mind about Seattle. The first was when Jones says that his car was broken into and his son was injured after returning to the vehicle and falling on the broken glass. Jones was told that several people saw the break-in happen, but did not intervene.<ref name="abcnews">{{cite news|title=Real-Life Superhero Gets Nose Broken|url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/real-life-seattle-superhero-phoenix-jones-suffers-broken/story?id=12589895|accessdate=18 October 2011|newspaper=ABC News|date=Jan 11, 2010|author=Jessica Hopper|author2=Neal Karlinsky}}</ref><ref name="npr">[http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/03/14/134539750/dcs-guardian-and-phoenix-jones-real-life-super-heroes-open-up-a-bit DC's Guardian And Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superheroes Open Up — A Bit : The Two-Way : NPR<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Later, Jones says that he encountered a friend being seriously assaulted outside a bar, and after calling 911 he put on the mask from the earlier break-in and "made a commotion" until the police showed up.<ref name="npr"/> "And I thought, why didn’t someone help him? There were seventy people outside that bar and no one did anything."<ref name="KOMOprofile"/>
Jones says he wanted to take policing matters into his own hands after a few incidents changed his mind about Seattle. The first was when Jones says that his car was broken into and his son was injured after returning to the vehicle and falling on the broken glass. Jones was told that several people saw the break-in happen, but did not intervene.<ref name="abcnews">{{cite news|title=Real-Life Superhero Gets Nose Broken|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/real-life-seattle-superhero-phoenix-jones-suffers-broken/story?id=12589895|access-date=18 October 2011|newspaper=ABC News|date=Jan 11, 2010|author=Jessica Hopper|author2=Neal Karlinsky}}</ref><ref name="npr">[https://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/03/14/134539750/dcs-guardian-and-phoenix-jones-real-life-super-heroes-open-up-a-bit DC's Guardian And Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superheroes Open Up — A Bit : The Two-Way : NPR<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Later, Jones says that he encountered a friend being seriously assaulted outside a bar, and after calling 911 he put on the mask from the earlier break-in and "made a commotion" until the police showed up.<ref name="npr"/> "And I thought, why didn't someone help him? There were seventy people outside that bar and no one did anything."<ref name="KOMOprofile"/>


Jones went on to develop a full costume and pseudonym, when his crime-fighting behavior made him too recognizable.<ref name="abcnews"/> In a CBS news broadcast, Jones is shown entering a back room of an unnamed comic book store in which he changes into costume which consists of a [[Dragon Skin]] brand [[bulletproof vest]]<ref name="SWAlleged">{{cite news
Jones went on to develop a full costume and pseudonym, when his crime-fighting behavior made him too recognizable.<ref name="abcnews"/> In a CBS news broadcast, Jones is shown entering a back room of an unnamed comic book store in which he changes into costume which consists of a [[Dragon Skin]] brand [[bulletproof vest]]<ref name="SWAlleged">{{cite news
Line 59: Line 33:
|author=Keegan Hamilton
|author=Keegan Hamilton
|url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/2011-06-01/news/the-alleged-adventures-of-phoenix-jones/
|url=http://www.seattleweekly.com/2011-06-01/news/the-alleged-adventures-of-phoenix-jones/
}}</ref> and [[Stab vest|stab plating]], as well as equipment including a [[stun baton]], [[pepper spray]] or [[tear gas]], [[handcuffs]] and a first aid kit.<ref name="SWAlleged"/><ref>{{cite web|author=CBS|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcUvJBumFZo |title=Real-Life Superhero Stops Car Robbery |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-01-04 |accessdate=2011-10-11}}</ref>
}}</ref> and [[Stab vest|stab plating]], as well as equipment including a [[stun baton]], [[pepper spray]] or [[tear gas]], [[handcuffs]] and a first aid kit.<ref name="SWAlleged"/><ref>{{cite web|author=CBS|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcUvJBumFZo |title=Real-Life Superhero Stops Car Robbery |publisher=YouTube |date=2011-01-04 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>


Jones later became part of the [[Rain City Superhero Movement]]. In July 2011, local police recorded ten citizens patrolling the city in superhero costumes, using the names Thorn, Buster Doe, Green Reaper, The Mantis, Gemini, No Name, Catastrophe, Thunder 88, Penelope and Phoenix Jones. An individual using the pseudonym "Red Dragon" has also self-identified as being a member of the group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-back-row.com/index.php/2011/01/24/tea-with-gill-an-interview-with-seattle-crimefighter-red-dragon |publisher=[[The Back Row]] |title=Tea with Gill: An Interview With Seattle Crimefighter Red Dragon |date=2011-01-24}}</ref>
Jones later became part of the [[Rain City Superhero Movement]]. In July 2011, local police recorded ten citizens patrolling the city in superhero costumes, using the names Thorn, Buster Doe, Green Reaper, The Mantis, Gemini, No Name, Catastrophe, Thunder 88, Penelope and Phoenix Jones. An individual using the pseudonym "Red Dragon" has also claimed to be a member of the group.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.the-back-row.com/index.php/2011/01/24/tea-with-gill-an-interview-with-seattle-crimefighter-red-dragon |publisher=[[The Back Row]] |title=Tea with Gill: An Interview With Seattle Crimefighter Red Dragon |date=2011-01-24}}</ref>


==Press coverage==
==Press coverage==
*On Sunday, January 2, 2011, in Lynnwood, Phoenix Jones stopped and chased away a car thief as the car owner (who asked to be identified only as "Dan") stood by in shock as Jones ran into action. CBS News introduced Dan and Phoenix Jones to one another the following Monday evening. Dan proceeded to thank Jones numerous times while later talking about Phoenix's gear.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_162-20027464-504083.html | work=CBS News | title=Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superhero Stops Wash. Car Theft | date=January 5, 2011}}</ref>
*On Sunday, January 2, 2011, in Lynnwood, Phoenix Jones stopped and chased away a car thief as the car owner (who asked to be identified only as "Dan") stood by in shock as Jones ran into action. CBS News introduced Dan and Phoenix Jones to one another the following Monday evening. Dan proceeded to thank Jones numerous times while later talking about Phoenix's gear.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/phoenix-jones-real-life-superhero-stops-wash-car-theft/ | work=CBS News | title=Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superhero Stops Wash. Car Theft | date=January 5, 2011}}</ref>
*A few days later, ABC News aired a news story covering Jones.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://abcnews.go.com/US/real-life-superhero-phoenix-jones-tackles-streets-seattle/story?id=12562715 | work=ABC News | title=Real Life Superheroes Fight Crime | date=January 7, 2011}}</ref> In this report, footage shows Phoenix Jones preventing an intoxicated man from entering his car. Jones threatens to use a stun baton as the angry and inebriated man approaches Jones with the intent to fight. In the video, a police officer is shown later talking to Phoenix Jones and his group regarding the effect masks may have on an intoxicated individual.
*A few days later, ABC News aired a news story covering Jones.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/real-life-superhero-phoenix-jones-tackles-streets-seattle/story?id=12562715 | work=ABC News | title=Real Life Superheroes Fight Crime | date=January 7, 2011}}</ref> In this report, footage shows Phoenix Jones preventing an intoxicated man from entering his car. Jones threatens to use a stun baton as the angry and inebriated man approaches Jones with the intent to fight. In the video, a police officer is shown later talking to Phoenix Jones and his group regarding the effect masks may have on an intoxicated individual.
*On Saturday, September 24, 2011, in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Phoenix Jones doused a man with pepper spray after he attempted to steal a bus. The driver of the bus had been handing out fliers when another individual attempted to steal the bus. Jones was reported to have intervened and the hijacker escaped with his skin dyed orange due to the spray. Jones says he didn’t receive any help from Seattle police, who took hours to respond to the incident.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jonah Spangenthal-Lee |url=http://publicola.com/2011/09/26/phoenix-jones-pepper-sprays-suspect-in-party-bus-jacking/ |title=Phoenix Jones Pepper Sprays Suspect In Party Bus-Jacking |publisher=PubliCola |date=2011-09-26 |accessdate=2011-10-11}}</ref>
*On Saturday, September 24, 2011, in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Phoenix Jones doused a man with pepper spray after he attempted to steal a bus. The driver of the bus had been handing out fliers when another individual attempted to steal the bus. Jones was reported to have intervened and the hijacker escaped with his skin dyed orange due to the spray. Jones says he didn't receive any help from Seattle police, who took hours to respond to the incident.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jonah Spangenthal-Lee |url=http://publicola.com/2011/09/26/phoenix-jones-pepper-sprays-suspect-in-party-bus-jacking/ |title=Phoenix Jones Pepper Sprays Suspect In Party Bus-Jacking |publisher=PubliCola |date=2011-09-26 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>
*On Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Seattle, Jones was arrested for his role in an altercation involving pepper spray.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/10/justice/washington-seattle-superhero
*On Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Seattle, Jones was arrested for his role in an altercation involving pepper spray.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/10/justice/washington-seattle-superhero
|title=Seattle's self-styled superhero arrested |author=Patrick Oppmann |date=2011-10-11 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> Close associates, who were present and equipped with a video camera, told reporters that Phoenix Jones broke up an unfair fight between two groups of nightclub patrons.<ref name="MSNBC Arrest">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44848642/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/ |title='Superhero' arrested, accused of assault |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |date=2011-10-10 |accessdate=2011-10-11}}</ref> According to police reports, the officers who responded determined that "there was no fight", with one member of the group denying that anyone among them had been fighting. They asked that the masked man be "arrested for attacking them."<ref name="STimesCourt"/> According to one woman who was involved in the altercation, after an argument had broken out between her group and another, Jones suddenly approached and pepper sprayed them, saying "I'm a superhero".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Woman-who-hit-Phoenix-Jones-Nothing-gives-him-a-2214912.php |title=Woman who hit Phoenix Jones: 'Nothing gives him a right to do that' |publisher=seattlepi.com |date= 2011-10-12|accessdate=2011-10-14}}</ref> The next day, videographer Ryan McNamee uploaded a video online showing Jones responding to what McNamee described as a "huge fight". McNamee's video shows the woman hitting Phoenix Jones and another person with her shoe.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ryan McNamee |url=http://vimeo.com/30307440 |title=Phoenix Jones Stops Assault |date=2011-10-10 |accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref><ref>[http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/10/10/phoenix-jones-attacked-by-stilletto-the-full-arrest-video/ Phoenix Jones Attacked By Stiletto – The Full Assault Video | Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movies and TV News and Rumors<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Jones was released on bail hours later with no charges having been filed.
|title=Seattle's self-styled superhero arrested |author=Patrick Oppmann |date=2011-10-11 |publisher=CNN}}</ref> Close associates, who were present and equipped with a video camera, told reporters that Phoenix Jones broke up an unfair fight between two groups of nightclub patrons.<ref name="MSNBC Arrest">{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna44848642 |title='Superhero' arrested, accused of assault |work=[[NBC News]] |date=2011-10-10 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref> According to police reports, the officers who responded determined that "there was no fight", with one member of the group denying that anyone among them had been fighting. They asked that the masked man be "arrested for attacking them."<ref name="STimesCourt"/> According to one woman who was involved in the altercation, after an argument had broken out between her group and another, Jones suddenly approached and pepper sprayed them, saying "I'm a superhero".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Woman-who-hit-Phoenix-Jones-Nothing-gives-him-a-2214912.php |title=Woman who hit Phoenix Jones: 'Nothing gives him a right to do that' |publisher=seattlepi.com |date= 2011-10-12|access-date=2011-10-14}}</ref> The next day, videographer Ryan McNamee uploaded a video online showing Jones responding to what McNamee described as a "huge fight". McNamee's video shows the woman hitting Phoenix Jones and another person with her shoe.<ref>{{cite web|author=Ryan McNamee |url=http://vimeo.com/30307440 |title=Phoenix Jones Stops Assault |date=2011-10-10 |access-date=2011-10-16}}</ref><ref>[http://www.bleedingcool.com/2011/10/10/phoenix-jones-attacked-by-stilletto-the-full-arrest-video/ Phoenix Jones Attacked By Stiletto – The Full Assault Video | Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movies and TV News and Rumors<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Jones was released on bail hours later with no charges having been filed.
⚫
*In another incident several hours earlier, Phoenix Jones had come to the defense of a potential fight victim. Police arrived after the aggressors had fled. In their report, the police called it a case of "questionable use of pepper spray", but the victim later told the ''Seattle Times'' that Jones was indeed a hero who had saved him from "a potential beat-down".<ref>{{cite news|author=Jonathan Martin |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016498236_phoenixjones14m.html |title=Despite arrest, Seattle superhero vows to fight on |publisher=Seattle Times |date=2011-10-13 |access-date=2011-10-16}}</ref>

*On Sunday, November 27, 2011, near the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Phoenix Jones and crew followed a man accused of stabbing another man. They prevented the attacker from fleeing until the Seattle police arrived.<ref>{{cite web |author=Chris Daniels |url=http://www.king5.com/news/local/Phoenix-Jones-to-the-rescue--again-134644958.html |title=Phoenix Jones to the rescue ... again |publisher=King Broadcasting Company |date=2011-11-28 |access-date=2012-01-06 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101111713/http://www.king5.com/news/local/Phoenix-Jones-to-the-rescue--again-134644958.html |archive-date=2012-01-01 }}</ref>
⚫
*In another incident several hours earlier, Phoenix Jones had come to the defense of a potential fight victim. Police arrived after the aggressors had fled. In their report, the police called it a case of "questionable use of pepper spray", but the victim later told the ''Seattle Times'' that Jones was indeed a hero who had saved him from "a potential beat-down".<ref>{{cite news|author=Jonathan Martin |url=http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2016498236_phoenixjones14m.html |title=Despite arrest, Seattle superhero vows to fight on |publisher=Seattle Times |date=2011-10-13 |accessdate=2011-10-16}}</ref>
*On Sunday, November 27, 2011, near the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Phoenix Jones and crew followed a man accused of stabbing another man. They prevented the attacker from fleeing until the Seattle police arrived.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris Daniels |url=http://www.king5.com/news/local/Phoenix-Jones-to-the-rescue--again-134644958.html |title=Phoenix Jones to the rescue ... again |publisher=King Broadcasting Company |date=2011-11-28 |accessdate=2012-01-06}}</ref>
*On Friday, January 6, 2012, Phoenix Jones and crew stopped a fight at the same location of the New Year's Eve shooting in Belltown.<ref>{{cite news|author=David Nelson|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/insidebelltown/2012/01/06/video-phoenix-jones-and-crew-stop-a-fight-at-same-location-of-the-new-years-eve-shooting-in-belltown/ |title=Phoenix Jones and crew stop a fight at same location of the New Year's Eve shooting in Belltown |publisher=Inside Belltown |date=2012-01-06 |access-date=2012-01-10}}</ref>
⚫
*On Tuesday, [[2012 May Day protests|May 1, 2012]], a blogger reported that Phoenix Jones had pepper sprayed [[black bloc]] protesters in downtown Seattle, although Jones denied this on Twitter.<ref>{{cite web|author=Adrian Chen|author-link=Adrian Chen|url=http://gawker.com/5906799/idiots-in-superhero-costumes-reportedly-pepper-spraying-seattle-may-day-protesters |title=Idiots In Superhero Costumes Reportedly Pepper Spraying Seattle May Day Protesters|publisher=Gawker.com|date=2012-05-01|access-date=2012-05-02}}</ref> In an interview on the ''Bob Rivers Show'' on May 2, Phoenix Jones asserted that, while undercover with the protesters, several of them revealed to him a plot to bomb the city courthouse. According to Phoenix Jones, after telling the police and receiving no support, he and another member of the Rain City Superhero Movement intercepted the protesters at the courthouse and acted in self-defense as the protesters began throwing rocks and bottles through the windows and glass doors of the court house.<ref>{{cite interview|interviewer=Bob Rivers|title=The Bob Rivers Morning Show on 95.7 KJR FM|date=2012-05-02}}</ref> Fellow costumed activists El Caballero and Midnightjack accompanied Phoenix Jones.<ref>[http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-seattles-selfproclaimed-superheroes-help-out-on-may-day-20120501,0,7900773.story Seattle's self-proclaimed 'superheroes' help out on May Day - KCPQ<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
*On Friday, January 6, 2012, Phoenix Jones and crew stopped a fight at the same location of the New Year’s Eve shooting in Belltown.<ref>{{cite news|author=David Nelson|url=http://blog.seattlepi.com/insidebelltown/2012/01/06/video-phoenix-jones-and-crew-stop-a-fight-at-same-location-of-the-new-years-eve-shooting-in-belltown/ |title=Phoenix Jones and crew stop a fight at same location of the New Year’s Eve shooting in Belltown |publisher=Inside Belltown |date=2012-01-06 |accessdate=2012-01-10}}</ref>
⚫
*In November 2012, Jones hit the headlines for engaging in [[mutual combat]].<ref name="KING-TV 2012-11-09">{{cite news|last=Schauffler|first=Allen|date=9 November 2012|title='Superhero' Phoenix Jones gets into street brawl as officers watch|url=http://www.king5.com/news/cities/seattle/Self-proclaimed-crime-fighter-Phoenix-Jones-gets-into-street-brawl--178243281.html|newspaper=[[KING-TV]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719101110/http://www.king5.com/news/cities/seattle/Self-proclaimed-crime-fighter-Phoenix-Jones-gets-into-street-brawl--178243281.html|archive-date=19 July 2013|access-date=10 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="MYN 2012-11-12">{{cite news|last=Raftery|first=Jillian|date=12 November 2012|title=Phoenix Jones fist fight video goes viral|url=http://mynorthwest.com/76/2126651/Phoenix-Jones-fist-fight-video-goes-viral|newspaper=[[KIRO-FM]]/MYNorthwest.com|publisher=[[Bonneville International]]|access-date=10 March 2015}}</ref>
⚫
*On Tuesday, [[2012 May Day protests|May 1, 2012]], a blogger reported that Phoenix Jones had pepper sprayed [[black bloc]] protesters in downtown Seattle, although Jones denied this on Twitter.<ref>{{cite web|author=[[Adrian Chen]]|url=http://gawker.com/5906799/idiots-in-superhero-costumes-reportedly-pepper-spraying-seattle-may-day-protesters |title=Idiots In Superhero Costumes Reportedly Pepper Spraying Seattle May Day Protesters|publisher=Gawker.com|date=2012-05-01|accessdate=2012-05-02}}</ref> In an interview on the ''Bob Rivers Show'' on May 2, Phoenix Jones asserted that, while undercover with the protesters, several of them revealed to him a plot to bomb the city courthouse. According to Phoenix Jones, after telling the police and receiving no support, he and another member of the Rain City Superhero Movement intercepted the protesters at the courthouse and acted in self-defense as the protesters began throwing rocks and bottles through the windows and glass doors of the court house.<ref>{{cite interview|interviewer=Bob Rivers|title=The Bob Rivers Morning Show on 95.7 KJR FM|date=2012-05-02}}</ref> Fellow costumed activists El Caballero and Midnightjack accompanied Phoenix Jones.<ref>[http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-seattles-selfproclaimed-superheroes-help-out-on-may-day-20120501,0,7900773.story Seattle's self-proclaimed 'superheroes' help out on May Day - KCPQ<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
⚫
*On Friday, March 27, 2015 in New Haven, Connecticut, just before Phoenix Jones was to be the featured speaker at [[The Institute Library (New Haven)|The Institute Library]]'s Amateur Hour speaking series, he prevented a man from being stabbed by holding off a group of men until police arrived. Deputized to hold the superhero's backpack was Amateur Hour host and ''This American Life'' contributor [[Jack Hitt]], to whom Phoenix Jones later jokingly gave the superhero moniker "Blue Corduroy".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nhregister.com/opinion/20150404/randall-beach-the-bloody-and-often-odd-life-of-a-superhero |title=The bloody and often odd life of a 'superhero' |last=Beach |first=Randall |newspaper=New Haven Register |date=April 4, 2015 |access-date=April 5, 2015}}</ref>
⚫
*In November 2012, Jones hit the headlines for engaging in [[mutual combat]].<ref name="KING-TV 2012-11-09">{{cite news|last=Schauffler|first=Allen|date=9 November 2012|title='Superhero' Phoenix Jones gets into street brawl as officers watch|url=http://www.king5.com/news/cities/seattle/Self-proclaimed-crime-fighter-Phoenix-Jones-gets-into-street-brawl--178243281.html|newspaper=[[KING-TV]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719101110/http://www.king5.com/news/cities/seattle/Self-proclaimed-crime-fighter-Phoenix-Jones-gets-into-street-brawl--178243281.html|archivedate=19 July 2013|access-date=10 March 2015}}</ref><ref name="MYN 2012-11-12">{{cite news|last=Raftery|first=Jillian|date=12 November 2012|title=Phoenix Jones fist fight video goes viral|url=http://mynorthwest.com/76/2126651/Phoenix-Jones-fist-fight-video-goes-viral|newspaper=[[KIRO-FM]]/MYNorthwest.com|publisher=[[Bonneville International]]|access-date=10 March 2015}}</ref>
⚫
*On Sunday, September 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington, Jones spotted three men pistol-whipping another man, and after alerting police, charged the man holding the gun and knocked it out of his hand. The three were arrested for assault, with one being charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Finnegan|first1=Lizzy|title=Real Life Superhero Phoenix Jones Credited With Stopping an Attempted Murder|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/142563-Vigilante-Superhero-Stops-a-Real-Life-Murder|access-date=24 September 2015|date=24 September 2015}}</ref>
⚫
*On Friday, March 27, 2015 in New Haven, Connecticut, just before Phoenix Jones was to be the featured speaker at [[The Institute Library (New Haven)|The Institute Library]]'s Amateur Hour speaking series, he prevented a man from being stabbed by holding off a group of men until police arrived. Deputized to hold the superhero's backpack was Amateur Hour host and ''This American Life'' contributor [[Jack Hitt]], to whom Phoenix Jones later jokingly gave the superhero moniker "Blue Corduroy".<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nhregister.com/opinion/20150404/randall-beach-the-bloody-and-often-odd-life-of-a-superhero |title=The bloody and often odd life of a 'superhero' |last=Beach |first=Randall |newspaper=New Haven Register |date=April 4, 2015 |accessdate=April 5, 2015}}</ref>
⚫
*On Tuesday, March 22, 2016 in Seattle, Washington, Jones attempted to assist authorities in talking the "[[Man in Tree|man in tree]]" down from the 80-foot sequoia he had climbed, but police rejected the offer.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/23/after-15-hours-and-counting-this-seattle-man-refuses-to-get-down-from-iconic-80-foot-tree/|title='The man in the tree' mesmerizes Seattle — from 80 feet|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=2016-10-25}}</ref>
⚫
*On Sunday, September 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington, Jones spotted three men pistol-whipping another man, and after alerting police, charged the man holding the gun and knocked it out of his hand. The three were arrested for assault, with one being charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Finnegan|first1=Lizzy|title=Real Life Superhero Phoenix Jones Credited With Stopping an Attempted Murder|url=http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/142563-Vigilante-Superhero-Stops-a-Real-Life-Murder|accessdate=24 September 2015|date=24 September 2015}}</ref>
*Jones was seen patrolling the [[Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone]] in June 2020.<ref>{{cite news|publisher=[[KUOW-FM|KUOW]]|title=Second shooting at night contrasts with Seattle's CHOP by day|date=June 22, 2020 |author= Casey Martin|url=https://www.kuow.org/stories/second-shooting-at-night-contrasts-with-seattle-s-chop-by-day}}</ref>
⚫
*On Tuesday, March 22, 2016 in Seattle, Washington, Jones attempted to assist authorities in talking the "[[Man in Tree|man in tree]]" down from the 80-foot sequoia he had climbed, but police rejected the offer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/03/23/after-15-hours-and-counting-this-seattle-man-refuses-to-get-down-from-iconic-80-foot-tree/|title=‘The man in the tree’ mesmerizes Seattle — from 80 feet|website=Washington Post|access-date=2016-10-25}}</ref>


When asked if he would have someone arrested for smoking [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]], Jones said he considered it a low priority, and that he has no problem with people using drugs, but wants drug dealers to "sell somewhere else."<ref>{{cite web|first=Jonah|last=Spangenthal-Lee |url=http://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-profiles/publicola/articles/on-patrol-with-phoenix-jones-guardian-of-seattle |title=On Patrol With Phoenix Jones: Guardian of Seattle |publisher=[[Seattle Metropolitan|PubliCola]] |date=2010-11-23 |accessdate=2011-10-11}}</ref>
When asked if he would have someone arrested for smoking [[Cannabis (drug)|cannabis]], Jones said he considered it a low priority, and that he has no problem with people using drugs, but wants drug dealers to "sell somewhere else."<ref>{{cite web|first=Jonah|last=Spangenthal-Lee |url=http://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-profiles/publicola/articles/on-patrol-with-phoenix-jones-guardian-of-seattle |title=On Patrol With Phoenix Jones: Guardian of Seattle |publisher=[[Seattle Metropolitan|PubliCola]] |date=2010-11-23 |access-date=2011-10-11}}</ref>


==Injury==
==Injury==
Jones reports being stabbed with a knife while trying to intervene with a drug dealer and a citizen,<ref name="SWAlleged"/> damaging part of his costume which had to be repaired.<ref name="PI Alerted" /> He has told police that his [[ballistic vest]] helped stop a bullet during an incident in Tacoma.<ref name="PI Alerted" />
Jones reports being stabbed with a knife while trying to intervene with a drug dealer and a resident,<ref name="SWAlleged"/> damaging part of his costume which had to be repaired.<ref name="PI Alerted" /> He has told police that his [[ballistic vest]] helped stop a bullet during an incident in Tacoma.<ref name="PI Alerted" />


In 2011, Jones claims to have had his nose broken by an assailant while attempting to break up a fight,<ref name="SWAlleged"/> when one of the men pulled a gun on him while another one kicked him, breaking his nose. This incident was never reported to police, and was treated by Jones' private doctor.<ref name="SWAlleged"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://komonews.com/news/local/attack-leaves-seattle-superhero-with-broken-nose-11-21-2015 |title=Attack leaves Seattle 'superhero' with broken nose |author=Luke Duecy |publisher=[[KOMO-TV]] |date=2011-01-10 |accessdate=2016-07-21}}</ref>
In 2011, Jones claims to have had his nose broken by an assailant while attempting to break up a fight,<ref name="SWAlleged"/> when one of the men pulled a gun on him while another one kicked him, breaking his nose. This incident was never reported to police, and was treated by Jones' private doctor.<ref name="SWAlleged"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://komonews.com/news/local/attack-leaves-seattle-superhero-with-broken-nose-11-21-2015 |title=Attack leaves Seattle 'superhero' with broken nose |author=Luke Duecy |publisher=[[KOMO-TV]] |date=2011-01-10 |access-date=2016-07-21}}</ref>


==Arrest record==
==Arrest record==


Seattle City Attorney [[Pete Holmes (politician)|Pete Holmes]] has called Jones a "deeply misguided individual."<ref>[http://downtownseattle.komonews.com/news/people/693190-no-charges-against-seattles-self-appointed-superhero No charges against Seattle's self-appointed superhero | People | Downtown Seattle News<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
Seattle City Attorney [[Pete Holmes (politician)|Pete Holmes]] has called Jones a "deeply misguided individual."<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://downtownseattle.komonews.com/news/people/693190-no-charges-against-seattles-self-appointed-superhero |title=No charges against Seattle's self-appointed superhero {{!}} People {{!}} Downtown Seattle News<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2012-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101103758/http://downtownseattle.komonews.com/news/people/693190-no-charges-against-seattles-self-appointed-superhero |archive-date=2012-01-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In October 2011, Jones was arrested for investigation of assault, after using pepper spray to break up an alleged fight.<ref name="MSNBC Arrest">{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44848642/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/ |title='Superhero' arrested, accused of assault |publisher=[[MSNBC]] |date=2011-10-10 |accessdate=2011-10-11}}</ref><ref name="Q13F">{{cite web |url=http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-superhero-phoenix-jones-arrested-for-assault-20111010,0,4106950.story |title=Masked crime fighter 'Phoenix Jones' arrested, identity revealed |publisher=[[Q13 FOX]] |date=2011-10-10}}</ref> He spent approximately seven hours in jail before posting the $3,800 bail.<ref name=Unmasked>{{cite web|url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44891979/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts/t/unmasked-seattle-superhero-vows-keep-fighting-crime/ |title=Unmasked Seattle superhero vows to keep fighting crime|publisher=[[MSNBC]]|date=2011-10-13|accessdate=2011-10-13}}</ref> No charges were filed and the case was dropped later that month.<ref name=ChargesDropped>{{cite web|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Superhero-Phoenix-Jones-charged-with-assault-2284701.php|title=Superhero Phoenix Jones won't be charged with assault|publisher=[[seattlepi]]|date=2011-10-23|accessdate=2012-02-05}}</ref>
In October 2011, Jones was arrested for investigation of assault, after using pepper spray to break up an alleged fight.<ref name="MSNBC Arrest"/><ref name="Q13F">{{cite web |url=http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-superhero-phoenix-jones-arrested-for-assault-20111010,0,4106950.story |title=Masked crime fighter 'Phoenix Jones' arrested, identity revealed |publisher=[[Q13 FOX]] |date=2011-10-10 |access-date=2011-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608023039/http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-superhero-phoenix-jones-arrested-for-assault-20111010,0,4106950.story |archive-date=2012-06-08 |url-status=dead }}</ref> He spent approximately seven hours in jail before posting the $3,800 bail.<ref name=Unmasked>{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna44891979 |title=Unmasked Seattle superhero vows to keep fighting crime|work=[[NBC News]]|date=2011-10-13|access-date=2011-10-13}}</ref> No charges were filed and the case was dropped later that month.<ref name=ChargesDropped>{{cite web|url=http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Superhero-Phoenix-Jones-charged-with-assault-2284701.php|title=Superhero Phoenix Jones won't be charged with assault|publisher=[[seattlepi]]|date=2011-10-23|access-date=2012-02-05}}</ref>


Jones appeared in court wearing a black and gray striped shirt over his costume on October 13, 2011. A court officer asked Jones to remove his mask, and he complied, putting the mask back on after the hearing. Jones then spoke with reporters and removed his mask again to reveal his identity as Ben Fodor. Fodor stated that he would continue patrolling the city:<ref name=Unmasked />
Jones appeared in court wearing a black and gray striped shirt over his supersuit on October 13, 2011. A court officer asked Jones to remove his mask, and he complied, putting the mask back on after the hearing. Jones then spoke with reporters and removed his mask again to reveal his identity as Ben Fodor. Fodor stated that he would continue patrolling the city:<ref name=Unmasked />
{{quote|I will continue to patrol with my team, probably tonight [October 13, 2011]. In addition to being Phoenix Jones, I am also Ben Fodor, father and brother. I am just like everybody else. The only difference is that I try to stop crime in my neighborhood and everywhere else. I think I have to look toward the future and see what I can do to help the city.<ref name=Unmasked />}}
{{blockquote|I will continue to patrol with my team, probably tonight [October 13, 2011]. In addition to being Phoenix Jones, I am also Ben Fodor, father and brother. I am just like everybody else. The only difference is that I try to stop crime in my neighborhood and everywhere else. I think I have to look toward the future and see what I can do to help the city.<ref name=Unmasked />}}

On January 9, 2020, Jones was arrested for allegedly selling [[MDMA|Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)]] to an undercover police officer. At the time of his arrest, police alleged that he and his accomplice were also in possession of about 4 grams of [[cocaine]].<ref name="MDMA Arrest">{{cite web |last1=Ramirez |first1=Quixem |title=Real-life superhero 'Phoenix Jones' in super trouble, facing drug charges |url=https://komonews.com/news/local/real-life-superhero-phoenix-jones-in-super-trouble-facing-drug-charges?ICID=ref_fark |website=KOMO News |access-date=28 January 2020 |date=27 January 2020}}</ref>


==Mixed martial arts==
==Mixed martial arts==
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| image_size = 200px
| image_size = 200px
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Jones at an MMA event, fighting as "Fear the Flattop"
| caption = Fodor at an MMA event, fighting as "Fear the Flattop"
| birth_name =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|05|25}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1988|05|25}}
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| weight_lb = 170
| weight_lb = 170
| weight_class = [[Welterweight (MMA)|Welterweight]]
| weight_class = [[Welterweight (MMA)|Welterweight]]
| reach = 71"
| reach = 71 in
| style =
| style =
| stance =
| stance =
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| mma_koloss =
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subloss =
| mma_subloss =
| mma_decloss = 2
| mma_decloss = 3
| mma_draw = 1
| mma_draw = 1
| mma_nc =
| mma_nc =
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===Amateur career===
===Amateur career===
Ben Fodor began his amateur MMA career in December 2006. Over the next four years, he amassed a record of 15 wins and 2 losses as an amateur.<ref name="FodorSherdog">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ben-Fodor-45446 |title=Ben "Flattop" Fodor MMA stats |publisher=sherdog.com |date= |accessdate=2015-03-10}}</ref>
Ben Fodor began his amateur MMA career in December 2006. Over the next four years, he amassed a record of 15 wins and 2 losses as an amateur.<ref name="FodorSherdog">{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Ben-Fodor-45446 |title=Ben "Flattop" Fodor MMA stats |publisher=sherdog.com |access-date=2015-03-10}}</ref>


===Professional career===
===Professional career===
Fodor made his professional MMA debut in November 2013 for the Cage Warrior Combat promotion based in his native Washington state. Fodor is the younger foster brother of [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]] and [[UFC]] veteran [[Caros Fodor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/3/1/2837865/strikeforce-lightweight-caros-fodor-discusses-his-superhero-brother |title=Strikeforce lightweight Caros Fodor discusses his 'superhero' brother, would love to fight him}}</ref>
Fodor made his professional MMA debut in November 2013 for the Cage Warrior Combat promotion based in his native Washington state. Fodor is the younger foster brother of [[Strikeforce (mixed martial arts)|Strikeforce]] and [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] veteran [[Caros Fodor]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/3/1/2837865/strikeforce-lightweight-caros-fodor-discusses-his-superhero-brother |title=Strikeforce lightweight Caros Fodor discusses his 'superhero' brother, would love to fight him|date=March 2012}}</ref>


On March 11, 2015, it was announced that Fodor had signed an exclusive contract with [[World Series of Fighting]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/wsof-signs-masked-crimefighter-phoenix-jones-aka-ben-fodor |title=WSOF signs masked crimefighter 'Phoenix Jones,' aka Ben Fodor |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=2015-03-11 |accessdate=2015-03-11}}</ref> Fodor made his debut at [[WSOF 20]] on April 10, 2015, wanting to be known under his pseudonym "Phoenix Jones". He faced Emmanuel Walo and lost the fight via unanimous decision, his first loss in his professional career, leaving with a record of 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.<ref name="FodorSherdog"/> On September 18, 2015, he rebounded with a rare [[Professional wrestling holds#Headscissors|headscissors]] submission win over Roberto Yong at [[World Series of Fighting 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II]].<ref>[http://mmajunkie.com/2015/09/wsof-23-video-highlights-phoenix-jones-scissor-chokes-roberto-yong "WSOF 23 video highlights: 'Phoenix Jones' scissor-chokes Roberto Yong", from MMAJunkie.com]</ref>
On March 11, 2015, it was announced that Fodor had signed an exclusive contract with [[World Series of Fighting]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/03/wsof-signs-masked-crimefighter-phoenix-jones-aka-ben-fodor |title=WSOF signs masked crimefighter 'Phoenix Jones,' aka Ben Fodor |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=2015-03-11 |access-date=2015-03-11}}</ref> Fodor made his debut at [[WSOF 20]] on April 10, 2015, wanting to be known under his pseudonym "Phoenix Jones". He faced Emmanuel Walo and lost the fight via unanimous decision, his first loss in his professional career, leaving with a record of 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.<ref name="FodorSherdog"/> On September 18, 2015, he rebounded with a rare [[Professional wrestling holds#Headscissors|headscissors]] submission win over Roberto Yong at [[World Series of Fighting 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II]].<ref>[http://mmajunkie.com/2015/09/wsof-23-video-highlights-phoenix-jones-scissor-chokes-roberto-yong "WSOF 23 video highlights: 'Phoenix Jones' scissor-chokes Roberto Yong", from MMAJunkie.com]</ref>


==Mixed martial arts record==
===Mixed martial arts record===
{{MMArecordbox
{{MMArecordbox
| draws= 1
| draws= 1
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| sub-losses=
| sub-losses=
| dec-wins= 2
| dec-wins= 2
| dec-losses= 2
| dec-losses= 3
| dq-wins=
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| dq-losses=
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}}
}}
{{MMA record start}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center|7–3–1
|[[Austin Vanderford]]
|Decision (unanimous)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.halquistproductions.com/event/57f685bc0900d50804965865|title = Brian Halquist Productions}}</ref>
|CageSport 47
|{{dts|2017|October|14}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|[[Tacoma, Washington]], United States
|
|-
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| {{yes2}}Win
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==References==
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
{{Reflist|2}}


==External links==
==External links==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Jones, Phoenix}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Jones, Phoenix}}
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[[Category:Living people]]
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[[Category:People from Washington (state)]]
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[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Washington (state)]]
[[Category:1988 births]]
[[Category:1988 births]]
[[Category:African-American people]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American people]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
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[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:African-American mixed martial artists]]
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[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:American vigilantes]]
[[Category:American vigilantes]]
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[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Washington (state)]]
[[Category:Real-life superheroes]]
[[Category:Real-life superheroes]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Seattle]]

Latest revision as of 19:09, 6 November 2024

Phoenix Jones
Jones without his mask in 2013
Born
Benjamin John Francis Fodor

(1988-05-25) May 25, 1988 (age 36)[1]
Texas, U.S.
Occupations
Known forConfronting alleged lawbreakers while dressed in a superhero costume.
RelativesCaros Fodor (brother)

Phoenix Jones[3][4] (born Benjamin John Francis Fodor;[5] May 25, 1988) is an American real-life superhero and mixed martial artist. Initially wearing a ski mask to intervene in a public assault, Fodor later developed a full costume and adopted "Phoenix Jones" as a pseudonym. From 2011 until its dissolution in 2014, Jones was the leader of the Rain City Superhero Movement, a Seattle, Washington-based citizen patrol group that described itself as a crime prevention brigade.[6][7]

Jones says the best way to prevent getting mistaken for a criminal by the police is to wear a "supersuit",[8] although local police have expressed concern that the strange costumes may lead to emergency calls from citizens who mistake the "superheroes" for criminals.[9] Jones has said that all members of the Rain City Superhero Movement have a military or mixed martial arts background.[10]

Jones is signed to World Series of Fighting, where he has fought at two catchweights, which included fighting his older foster brother, UFC, Strikeforce, and ONE Championship fighter Caros Fodor.

Adoption of persona

[edit]

Jones says he wanted to take policing matters into his own hands after a few incidents changed his mind about Seattle. The first was when Jones says that his car was broken into and his son was injured after returning to the vehicle and falling on the broken glass. Jones was told that several people saw the break-in happen, but did not intervene.[9][11] Later, Jones says that he encountered a friend being seriously assaulted outside a bar, and after calling 911 he put on the mask from the earlier break-in and "made a commotion" until the police showed up.[11] "And I thought, why didn't someone help him? There were seventy people outside that bar and no one did anything."[4]

Jones went on to develop a full costume and pseudonym, when his crime-fighting behavior made him too recognizable.[9] In a CBS news broadcast, Jones is shown entering a back room of an unnamed comic book store in which he changes into costume which consists of a Dragon Skin brand bulletproof vest[12] and stab plating, as well as equipment including a stun baton, pepper spray or tear gas, handcuffs and a first aid kit.[12][13]

Jones later became part of the Rain City Superhero Movement. In July 2011, local police recorded ten citizens patrolling the city in superhero costumes, using the names Thorn, Buster Doe, Green Reaper, The Mantis, Gemini, No Name, Catastrophe, Thunder 88, Penelope and Phoenix Jones. An individual using the pseudonym "Red Dragon" has also claimed to be a member of the group.[14]

Press coverage

[edit]
  • On Sunday, January 2, 2011, in Lynnwood, Phoenix Jones stopped and chased away a car thief as the car owner (who asked to be identified only as "Dan") stood by in shock as Jones ran into action. CBS News introduced Dan and Phoenix Jones to one another the following Monday evening. Dan proceeded to thank Jones numerous times while later talking about Phoenix's gear.[15]
  • A few days later, ABC News aired a news story covering Jones.[16] In this report, footage shows Phoenix Jones preventing an intoxicated man from entering his car. Jones threatens to use a stun baton as the angry and inebriated man approaches Jones with the intent to fight. In the video, a police officer is shown later talking to Phoenix Jones and his group regarding the effect masks may have on an intoxicated individual.
  • On Saturday, September 24, 2011, in the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Phoenix Jones doused a man with pepper spray after he attempted to steal a bus. The driver of the bus had been handing out fliers when another individual attempted to steal the bus. Jones was reported to have intervened and the hijacker escaped with his skin dyed orange due to the spray. Jones says he didn't receive any help from Seattle police, who took hours to respond to the incident.[17]
  • On Sunday, October 9, 2011, in Seattle, Jones was arrested for his role in an altercation involving pepper spray.[18] Close associates, who were present and equipped with a video camera, told reporters that Phoenix Jones broke up an unfair fight between two groups of nightclub patrons.[19] According to police reports, the officers who responded determined that "there was no fight", with one member of the group denying that anyone among them had been fighting. They asked that the masked man be "arrested for attacking them."[5] According to one woman who was involved in the altercation, after an argument had broken out between her group and another, Jones suddenly approached and pepper sprayed them, saying "I'm a superhero".[20] The next day, videographer Ryan McNamee uploaded a video online showing Jones responding to what McNamee described as a "huge fight". McNamee's video shows the woman hitting Phoenix Jones and another person with her shoe.[21][22] Jones was released on bail hours later with no charges having been filed.
  • In another incident several hours earlier, Phoenix Jones had come to the defense of a potential fight victim. Police arrived after the aggressors had fled. In their report, the police called it a case of "questionable use of pepper spray", but the victim later told the Seattle Times that Jones was indeed a hero who had saved him from "a potential beat-down".[23]
  • On Sunday, November 27, 2011, near the Belltown neighborhood of Seattle, Phoenix Jones and crew followed a man accused of stabbing another man. They prevented the attacker from fleeing until the Seattle police arrived.[24]
  • On Friday, January 6, 2012, Phoenix Jones and crew stopped a fight at the same location of the New Year's Eve shooting in Belltown.[25]
  • On Tuesday, May 1, 2012, a blogger reported that Phoenix Jones had pepper sprayed black bloc protesters in downtown Seattle, although Jones denied this on Twitter.[26] In an interview on the Bob Rivers Show on May 2, Phoenix Jones asserted that, while undercover with the protesters, several of them revealed to him a plot to bomb the city courthouse. According to Phoenix Jones, after telling the police and receiving no support, he and another member of the Rain City Superhero Movement intercepted the protesters at the courthouse and acted in self-defense as the protesters began throwing rocks and bottles through the windows and glass doors of the court house.[27] Fellow costumed activists El Caballero and Midnightjack accompanied Phoenix Jones.[28]
  • In November 2012, Jones hit the headlines for engaging in mutual combat.[29][30]
  • On Friday, March 27, 2015 in New Haven, Connecticut, just before Phoenix Jones was to be the featured speaker at The Institute Library's Amateur Hour speaking series, he prevented a man from being stabbed by holding off a group of men until police arrived. Deputized to hold the superhero's backpack was Amateur Hour host and This American Life contributor Jack Hitt, to whom Phoenix Jones later jokingly gave the superhero moniker "Blue Corduroy".[31]
  • On Sunday, September 20, 2015 in Seattle, Washington, Jones spotted three men pistol-whipping another man, and after alerting police, charged the man holding the gun and knocked it out of his hand. The three were arrested for assault, with one being charged with possession of a firearm by a felon.[32]
  • On Tuesday, March 22, 2016 in Seattle, Washington, Jones attempted to assist authorities in talking the "man in tree" down from the 80-foot sequoia he had climbed, but police rejected the offer.[33]
  • Jones was seen patrolling the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone in June 2020.[34]

When asked if he would have someone arrested for smoking cannabis, Jones said he considered it a low priority, and that he has no problem with people using drugs, but wants drug dealers to "sell somewhere else."[35]

Injury

[edit]

Jones reports being stabbed with a knife while trying to intervene with a drug dealer and a resident,[12] damaging part of his costume which had to be repaired.[10] He has told police that his ballistic vest helped stop a bullet during an incident in Tacoma.[10]

In 2011, Jones claims to have had his nose broken by an assailant while attempting to break up a fight,[12] when one of the men pulled a gun on him while another one kicked him, breaking his nose. This incident was never reported to police, and was treated by Jones' private doctor.[12][36]

Arrest record

[edit]

Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes has called Jones a "deeply misguided individual."[37]

In October 2011, Jones was arrested for investigation of assault, after using pepper spray to break up an alleged fight.[19][38] He spent approximately seven hours in jail before posting the $3,800 bail.[39] No charges were filed and the case was dropped later that month.[40]

Jones appeared in court wearing a black and gray striped shirt over his supersuit on October 13, 2011. A court officer asked Jones to remove his mask, and he complied, putting the mask back on after the hearing. Jones then spoke with reporters and removed his mask again to reveal his identity as Ben Fodor. Fodor stated that he would continue patrolling the city:[39]

I will continue to patrol with my team, probably tonight [October 13, 2011]. In addition to being Phoenix Jones, I am also Ben Fodor, father and brother. I am just like everybody else. The only difference is that I try to stop crime in my neighborhood and everywhere else. I think I have to look toward the future and see what I can do to help the city.[39]

On January 9, 2020, Jones was arrested for allegedly selling Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) to an undercover police officer. At the time of his arrest, police alleged that he and his accomplice were also in possession of about 4 grams of cocaine.[41]

Mixed martial arts

[edit]
Ben Fodor
Fodor at an MMA event, fighting as "Fear the Flattop"
Born (1988-05-25) May 25, 1988 (age 36)
Other namesFlattop, Vigilante
NationalityAmerican
Height6 ft 0 in (183 cm)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st 2 lb)
DivisionWelterweight
Reach71 in (180 cm)
Fighting out ofSeattle, Washington, United States
TeamAMC Kickboxing
Years active2006–present (MMA)
Mixed martial arts record
Total11
Wins7
By knockout1
By submission4
By decision2
Losses3
By decision3
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Amateur career

[edit]

Ben Fodor began his amateur MMA career in December 2006. Over the next four years, he amassed a record of 15 wins and 2 losses as an amateur.[42]

Professional career

[edit]

Fodor made his professional MMA debut in November 2013 for the Cage Warrior Combat promotion based in his native Washington state. Fodor is the younger foster brother of Strikeforce and UFC veteran Caros Fodor.[43]

On March 11, 2015, it was announced that Fodor had signed an exclusive contract with World Series of Fighting.[44] Fodor made his debut at WSOF 20 on April 10, 2015, wanting to be known under his pseudonym "Phoenix Jones". He faced Emmanuel Walo and lost the fight via unanimous decision, his first loss in his professional career, leaving with a record of 5 wins, 1 draw, and 1 loss.[42] On September 18, 2015, he rebounded with a rare headscissors submission win over Roberto Yong at World Series of Fighting 23: Gaethje vs. Palomino II.[45]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
11 matches 7 wins 3 losses
By knockout 1 0
By submission 4 0
By decision 2 3
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 7–3–1 Austin Vanderford Decision (unanimous)[46] CageSport 47 October 14, 2017 5 5:00 Tacoma, Washington, United States
Win 7–2–1 Albert Tadevosyan Submission (kimura) Rumble on the Ridge 36 October 1, 2016 3 2:56 Snoqualmie, Washington, United States
Loss 6–2–1 Caros Fodor Decision (unanimous) WSOF 32 July 30, 2016 3 5:00 Everett, Washington, United States
Win 6–1–1 Roberto Yong Submission (scissor choke) WSOF 23 September 18, 2015 1 3:09 Phoenix, Arizona, United States Catchweight bout (160lbs)
Loss 5–1–1 Emmanuel Walo Decision (unanimous) WSOF 20 April 10, 2015 3 5:00 Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States Catchweight bout (175lbs)
Win 5–0–1 Jason Novelli Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) Super Fight League 37 February 21, 2015 3 3:06 Tacoma, Washington, United States
Draw 4–0–1 Tyson Cunningham Draw (majority) Super Fight League 36 December 13, 2014 5 5:00 Tacoma, Washington, United States
Win 4–0 Justin Larsson Decision (split) Combat Games MMA: Battle at the Bay 8 July 26, 2014 3 5:00 Anacortes, Washington, United States
Win 3–0 Justin Larsson Submission (guillotine choke) Combat Games MMA: Battle at the Bay 7 April 19, 2014 3 0:28 Anacortes, Washington, United States
Win 2–0 Nick Coughran TKO (punches) Combat Games MMA: Super Brawl 1 April 6, 2014 2 4:45 Snoqualmie, Washington, United States
Win 1–0 Zach Conn Decision (unanimous) Cage Warrior Combat 9 November 2, 2013 3 5:00 Kent, Washington, United States

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Phoenix Jones' Instagram
  2. ^ Nicole Neroulias, "Seattle's superhero vigilante has his day in court", Reuters, 13 October 2011
  3. ^ "It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's ... Some Dude?!". GQ. 2011-08-01.
  4. ^ a b "Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superhero". KOMO News. 2010-11-19. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  5. ^ a b Sara Jean Green (2011-10-11). "Seattle's 'superhero' Phoenix Jones bound for court". The Seattle Times.
  6. ^ Fezzani, Nadia (2012-04-26). "The day Phoenix Jones revealed himself to the world | Metro". Metronews.ca. Archived from the original on 2012-06-09. Retrieved 2012-05-26.
  7. ^ "Rain City Superhero Movement". RealLifeSuperheroes.org. Archived from the original on 2011-10-20. Retrieved 2011-10-17.
  8. ^ "Transcript for Good Morning America, January 7, 2011". Livedash.com. Archived from the original on 2011-02-19. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  9. ^ a b c Jessica Hopper; Neal Karlinsky (Jan 11, 2010). "Real-Life Superhero Gets Nose Broken". ABC News. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
  10. ^ a b c Casey McNerthney (2011-06-01). "Police alerted to 'superheroes' patrolling Seattle". Seattle PI.
  11. ^ a b DC's Guardian And Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superheroes Open Up — A Bit : The Two-Way : NPR
  12. ^ a b c d e Keegan Hamilton (2011-06-01). "The (Alleged) Adventures of Phoenix Jones". Seattle Weekly.
  13. ^ CBS (2011-01-04). "Real-Life Superhero Stops Car Robbery". YouTube. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  14. ^ "Tea with Gill: An Interview With Seattle Crimefighter Red Dragon". The Back Row. 2011-01-24.
  15. ^ "Phoenix Jones: Real Life Superhero Stops Wash. Car Theft". CBS News. January 5, 2011.
  16. ^ "Real Life Superheroes Fight Crime". ABC News. January 7, 2011.
  17. ^ Jonah Spangenthal-Lee (2011-09-26). "Phoenix Jones Pepper Sprays Suspect In Party Bus-Jacking". PubliCola. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  18. ^ Patrick Oppmann (2011-10-11). "Seattle's self-styled superhero arrested". CNN.
  19. ^ a b "'Superhero' arrested, accused of assault". NBC News. 2011-10-10. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  20. ^ "Woman who hit Phoenix Jones: 'Nothing gives him a right to do that'". seattlepi.com. 2011-10-12. Retrieved 2011-10-14.
  21. ^ Ryan McNamee (2011-10-10). "Phoenix Jones Stops Assault". Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  22. ^ Phoenix Jones Attacked By Stiletto – The Full Assault Video | Bleeding Cool Comic Book, Movies and TV News and Rumors
  23. ^ Jonathan Martin (2011-10-13). "Despite arrest, Seattle superhero vows to fight on". Seattle Times. Retrieved 2011-10-16.
  24. ^ Chris Daniels (2011-11-28). "Phoenix Jones to the rescue ... again". King Broadcasting Company. Archived from the original on 2012-01-01. Retrieved 2012-01-06.
  25. ^ David Nelson (2012-01-06). "Phoenix Jones and crew stop a fight at same location of the New Year's Eve shooting in Belltown". Inside Belltown. Retrieved 2012-01-10.
  26. ^ Adrian Chen (2012-05-01). "Idiots In Superhero Costumes Reportedly Pepper Spraying Seattle May Day Protesters". Gawker.com. Retrieved 2012-05-02.
  27. ^ "The Bob Rivers Morning Show on 95.7 KJR FM" (Interview). Interviewed by Bob Rivers. 2012-05-02.
  28. ^ Seattle's self-proclaimed 'superheroes' help out on May Day - KCPQ
  29. ^ Schauffler, Allen (9 November 2012). "'Superhero' Phoenix Jones gets into street brawl as officers watch". KING-TV. Archived from the original on 19 July 2013. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  30. ^ Raftery, Jillian (12 November 2012). "Phoenix Jones fist fight video goes viral". KIRO-FM/MYNorthwest.com. Bonneville International. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
  31. ^ Beach, Randall (April 4, 2015). "The bloody and often odd life of a 'superhero'". New Haven Register. Retrieved April 5, 2015.
  32. ^ Finnegan, Lizzy (24 September 2015). "Real Life Superhero Phoenix Jones Credited With Stopping an Attempted Murder". Retrieved 24 September 2015.
  33. ^ "'The man in the tree' mesmerizes Seattle — from 80 feet". Washington Post. Retrieved 2016-10-25.
  34. ^ Casey Martin (June 22, 2020). "Second shooting at night contrasts with Seattle's CHOP by day". KUOW.
  35. ^ Spangenthal-Lee, Jonah (2010-11-23). "On Patrol With Phoenix Jones: Guardian of Seattle". PubliCola. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  36. ^ Luke Duecy (2011-01-10). "Attack leaves Seattle 'superhero' with broken nose". KOMO-TV. Retrieved 2016-07-21.
  37. ^ "No charges against Seattle's self-appointed superhero | People | Downtown Seattle News". Archived from the original on 2012-01-01. Retrieved 2012-05-08.
  38. ^ "Masked crime fighter 'Phoenix Jones' arrested, identity revealed". Q13 FOX. 2011-10-10. Archived from the original on 2012-06-08. Retrieved 2011-10-12.
  39. ^ a b c "Unmasked Seattle superhero vows to keep fighting crime". NBC News. 2011-10-13. Retrieved 2011-10-13.
  40. ^ "Superhero Phoenix Jones won't be charged with assault". seattlepi. 2011-10-23. Retrieved 2012-02-05.
  41. ^ Ramirez, Quixem (27 January 2020). "Real-life superhero 'Phoenix Jones' in super trouble, facing drug charges". KOMO News. Retrieved 28 January 2020.
  42. ^ a b "Ben "Flattop" Fodor MMA stats". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2015-03-10.
  43. ^ "Strikeforce lightweight Caros Fodor discusses his 'superhero' brother, would love to fight him". March 2012.
  44. ^ "WSOF signs masked crimefighter 'Phoenix Jones,' aka Ben Fodor". mmajunkie.com. 2015-03-11. Retrieved 2015-03-11.
  45. ^ "WSOF 23 video highlights: 'Phoenix Jones' scissor-chokes Roberto Yong", from MMAJunkie.com
  46. ^ "Brian Halquist Productions".
[edit]
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