(Yep, that’s Rashad Evans.)
Despite some of you suggesting that madman striker Houston Alexander should take on Chuck Liddell as a replacement for the injured Mauricio Rua — not a bad idea, and one we overlooked earlier — the UFC has gone with one of the safer options that we were expecting, booking Rashad Evans to face the Iceman. Sherdog confirmed last night that the undefeated Ultimate Fighter 2 winner will be meeting Chuck Liddell at UFC 85 on June 7th in London.
It seems like Evans was picked to fill-in because he’d be the least likely to make Liddell eat another loss. Chuck’s a banger, and if he stayed in the pocket with unpredictable brawlers like Alexander or Sokoudjou, he could easily catch a knockout punch. Thiago Silva would have been just as dangerous, as he’s a threat both standing and on the ground, and he’s won all but one of his fights by stoppage. But aside from the occasional head-kick, Rashad Evans sticks to takedowns and lay-and-pray, and it’s nothing that Chuck won’t be able to deal with. In fact, we see this one turning out a lot like UFC 82′s Arlovski/O’Brien farce.
I can’t imagine many people being psyched about this matchup. Evans has a reputation for dullness, and UFC fans aren’t going to want to see Liddell spend entire rounds on his back. And from a marketing perspective, it’ll be tough to sell — Rashad’s a much smaller name than Chuck, and there’s no personal rivalry between them. But it will give the Brits a chance to throw bottles at the man who edged out their beloved Michael Bisping in November. Let’s all hope for a quick and brutal knockout…
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Comments
Wed, 03/05/08 - 03:10
Well... what a boring ass fight. Rashad will try and shoot for 3 rounds and chuck will sprawl and avoid it. Dear Dana, You have a girls name. Make better fights.
Wed, 03/05/08 - 03:33
Rashad usually appears afraid to engage. I think Chuck will end it in the 1st or the 2nd. I definitely expect Evans face to puff up with welts and damage. Why not Thaigo or Houston?!? Dan Henderson?!?
Wed, 03/05/08 - 04:44
I think it will be a good fight. Liddell will force the action if Rashad tries to hang back, and Liddell doesn't mind taking risks to get the KO. This fight won't look like Rashad/Bisping or Rashad/Tito.
Wed, 03/05/08 - 05:06
i dunno y people hate rashad evans lol personally i like watching him fight.
Wed, 03/05/08 - 06:35
It should have been chuck vs Jardine(I know this would be Chucks pick), Thaigo vs Machida, Wanderlei vs Houston and Tito vs Rashad. Now that looks nice.
Wed, 03/05/08 - 07:04
Id have to say this fight isnt gona be as bad as they're making it out to be. chuck will be forced to go to work with rashad pushing for takedowns. Also if chuck is put on his back then great! we never get to see chuck on his back lets see how he handles it.
Wed, 03/05/08 - 07:34
If they were willing to beak up a scheduled fight, Thiago or Lyoto would have been more competitive, but this maked good sense to me. A win over Rashad goes even further toward getting Chuck a title shot than a win over Shogun, which is good. And Rumbler, two rematches is not nice. It sucks.
Wed, 03/05/08 - 07:58
What a step down in competition for ol' Chucky boy
Wed, 03/05/08 - 08:59
rashad is the only logical and perfect opponent for lidell evans is an undefeated legitimate contender who is definately only a couple fights away from a title shot may i remind everyone evans was the one who eliminated jardine from tuf who is the guy who beat the current number 1 contender who lost to ortiz which evans should have arguably won against and he was the first to beat bisping if he beats chuck he has to get a title shot period unfortunately he wont beat chuck who cares if he puts him on his back hell get right back up like he did against couture and ortiz after this fight if machida gets past ortiz let him fight lidell or jardine
Wed, 03/05/08 - 09:23
why is it that Dana is constantly protecting Chuck?? If he is not cutting it then throw him to the wolves...ooooppppss!!!!! Can't do that, he makes UFC sparkle on the map$$$$$ But it was no problem at all for Dana to throw Rich Franklin & Anderson Silva together. Silva had like 2-3 ufc fights under him before a title shot, whats up with that Dana. I respect the UFC totally, but NOT when i hear about arranging fights to protect records. Damn that is a B*#@* move...really. How you you be the best if you are not fighting reputable fighters. He should definitely be fighting Alexander, why should you ask...hmmm. Chuck lost to Jardine and Alexander rocker him, so wouldn't it be right to put to big bangers in the ring. I am a die hard PPV buyer, I would pay to see that. What is getting old is watching Chuck bitch about another title fight...I love Chuck but you got crushed 2x by rampage. Maybe its just not your time right now, but throwing these little victories for chuck is only setting him up for failure. C'mon Chuck you are smarter than that, if you want your belt back you better realize you have to fight better fighters. No one was happy with Rashad's draw match with Tito???? What is next, will Chuck be on the next Apprentice or what? Please send some feedback if you agree or disagree, its all good.
Wed, 04/09/08 - 06:42
I think Rahad won't be as much of a shove over people are making him out to be. I do see Chuck winning but I don't see Rashad being completely manhandled.
Sat, 09/06/08 - 12:13
wow u were sooooooooooo wrong!!!
Tue, 09/09/08 - 07:53
seems none of you knew WTF youre talking about... old boy got KNOCKED THE FUCK OUT!!!!!
Sun, 10/12/08 - 04:13
Chuck was stupid in this fight, chasing after rashad even tho he is a better counter fighter, as getting frustrated and wanting to get the KO cost him the fight and he eneded up getting knocked the fuck out. However I do think chuck underestimated him, not taking anything away from rashad but I still think chuck would beat him 7 times out of ten.
Fri, 12/26/08 - 08:16
Rashad is the man. Forest Griffin is going to get skull fucked too just like Liddell's old ass. Rashad's got some serious hands and power to go with his wrestling.
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