UFC on FOX 2 preview: Evans-Davis
The UFC's sophomore event on FOX takes place Saturday in Chicago as Rashad Evans and Phil Davis clash in a compelling light heavyweight battle, while Chael Sonnen and Michael Bisping vie for a shot at the UFC middleweight championship.
The three-fight main card will also feature a middleweight meeting between Demian Maia and late replacement Chris Weidman. The preliminary action will be broadcast live on Fuel TV with several intriguing fights on tap.
Here's a closer look at all the action:
Rashad Evans (16-1-1) vs. Phil Davis (9-0)
After injuries forced Evans out of two title shots, the former UFC light heavyweight champion gets another chance to cement his No. 1 contender status against Davis, an undefeated prospect coming off the biggest win of his career.
Evans, 32, was initially slated to challenge then-champion Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128, but a knee injury forced him to give up his opportunity to Jon Jones, who made the most of it by trouncing Rua to capture UFC gold.
The turn of events ultimately severed the relationship between Evans and Jones, former teammates, and led Evans to leave Greg Jackson's camp in New Mexico. He then joined Imperial Athletics in Florida, where he now trains alongside Jorge Santiago, Anthony Johnson and Melvin Guillard.
Evans returned last August, dismantling Tito Ortiz in a stellar performance to prove he still belonged in the title mix.
The brewing rivalry between Evans and Jones was set to culminate with a title clash at UFC 140 this past December, but a lingering thumb injury forced Evans out yet again.
With injuries behind him and his sights set squarely on the seemingly invincible champion, Evans needs a resounding victory to jump ahead of Dan Henderson, another potential upcoming title challenger.
Evans has evolved into one of the preeminent light heavyweight fighters since winning the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter" as a heavyweight. Wins over Michael Bisping and Chuck Liddell earned him a title shot against Forrest Griffin, which turned out to be a career highlight as he captured the 205-pound title before losing it in his first title defense against Lyoto Machida in May 2009. The New York native has fought only three times since that setback, but he's 3-0 against quality opposition, including unanimous decisions over Thiago Silva and longtime nemesis Quinton "Rampage" Jackson.
Transitioning from NCAA wrestling to mixed martial arts like so many great fighters before him, Evans absorbed knowledge like a sponge and developed a slick grappling game and dangerous hands. Evans' speed and footwork coupled with explosive takedowns and devastating punching power makes him one of the division's most complete fighters.
Evans has repeatedly been criticized for ducking fights and faking injuries, but he remains focused on the task at hand without letting the simple distractions get to him. If he can put the first blemish on Davis' perfect record, he will finally find himself challenging for the title.
Davis, 27, a former NCAA champion and four-time Division I All-American, dominated Brian Stann in his February 2010 UFC debut. He has since submitted both Alexander Gustafsson and Tim Boetsch, putting his improved Brazilian jiu-jitsu game on display. Most recently, Davis outpointed Pride legend Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in the toughest fight of his career.
The Alliance MMA standout has taken the same path as Evans, transitioning from a traditional college wrestling background. His potential is limitless, but he still comes across as awkward and uncomfortable trading strikes on his feet. Relying heavily on his wrestling pedigree to dictate fights has worked well for him so far, but taking Evans down is not a simple proposition.
Evans is certainly the most dynamic fighter to cross Davis' path and his speed could be a difference maker. Davis is a physical beast and he will possess a noticeable height advantage, but Evans' ability to move in and out of range while stuffing takedowns and initiating the clinch will be a hefty task for "Mr. Wonderful" to overcome.
Evans will utilize his superior striking to punish Davis throughout the contest, while anticipating his attempts to close the distance or shoot in for takedowns. After three hard-fought rounds, Evans should have his hand raised before the champion Jones greets him in the Octagon to set up a potential grudge match for the coveted light heavyweight crown.
Verdict: Evans via decision
