A banner on UFC.com Sunday showed a picture of [Evans and Jackson] with the title "UFC 98: Evans vs. Jackson," and the matchup was listed on the website’s fight card page. However, Monday the banner had disappeared and the UFC 98 fight card listed Evans’ opponent as "TBD."
Rampage’s hand injury adds to a lingering jaw injury that he sustained while training for his UFC 92 fight against Wanderlei Silva. It’s hard to imagine he’d be anywhere close to 100% by May 23rd. But that doesn’t seem to bother Rashad Evans, who is already mentally preparing for the UFC’s other top light-heavyweight contender, Lyoto Machida. As Sugar told Sherdog:
The kid’s been phenomenal. He’s been better than phenomenal. He’s been looking better every fight. But that’s the fight business. That’s the fun part about a fight is the fact that you go in there with an opponent that sometimes seems insurmountable. But then you figure it out and that makes the victory that much sweeter. With that said, there may be some kinks in his armor that I have yet to see that I can exploit when I look at the tapes more closely. Machida’s been looking slicker than I don’t know what, but everybody has a weakness even if you do look slick as oil. Everyone has a weakness.”
Rashad also discussed what was going through his head during the infamous face-off that followed Jackson’s defeat of Jardine:
“I didn’t expect any of that, man. I was just going to do the face-off and what not but then he started talking trash. I wasn’t even in the mood to play or joke around, I just saw one of my best friends lose a fight which I had him winning until the last 10 seconds. I see the hurt in [Jardine’s] eyes and he’s so upset and he’s disappointed and I feel, like, bad for him. Then this dude is bumpin’ his gums at me, and honestly, I really wanted to punch him in his face, but I knew that wasn’t the right time to do that so I just tried to stay as composed as possible because I don’t like to talk trash. Whenever I got into a street fight I never talked — I just hit. I never liked to be in someone’s face that close just talking.
"
The Irish Wolfhound Says:
Tue, 03/10/2009 - 14:11
@ UFC Fan
First off, at least try to keep the bigotry out of your words, secondly don't talk down about Griffin, the guy has improved so much already and he isn't an egomaniac like so many of the other fighters, he can only get better."
first off---fuck OFF dickweed, don't tell me what to think or say, don't like it, leave you pussy.
Griffin was a good guy till he won the belt, and he turned into an egomaniac, he learned a lesson, he wasn't as good as he thought.
rashad is now the same way, he never talked shit like that before now he has GOLD in his eyes, and thinks his shit don't stink.
He became a nigger...and fuck you if you don;t like it.
he doesnt like to talk trash? does anyone remember the press conference after the tito fight? i lost a ton of respect for rashad after that. he sounded like a child. not to mention hes only undefeated because tito got a point taken away. people hate on tito but you gotta admit he did a lot better against rashad than chuck or forrest...
Although Machida is undefeated, he's fought only one of the top ranked LHW's in Thiago Silva. No Liddel or Rua, no Forrest Griffin, no Wanderlei Silva or Michael Bisping, and hasn't even fought Keith Jardine. And he earns a title shot how? Because he's undefeated? Look at the cans he's fought. The only credible names are Ortiz (aging and distracted), and Franklin and Bonnar WAY back in the day new to mma.
Rampage and Evans would be a good brawl, and a bigger ppv draw than Machida, talent notwithstanding. I'd personally prefer to see Rampage and Evans purely for entertainment value alone. At least you could be certain both fighters would leave it all in the cage.
FWIW, think that you could line up Evans and Machida, give them the 20 lbs handicap... and Anderson Silva would still whip them both in under 3 rounds combined. This isn't America's Best Dance Crew or hide and seek.
I'd pass on a Machida/Evans main event ppv unless the undercard was a really good lineup. Rampage and Evans would be worth it, for two reasons. Rampage is comical, and I can't wait to see Evans lose. Ask Marvin Eastman what black on black crime is all about.
LMAO, get with the program and pay attention to what really goes on junior. If you wanna swing from Rashad's ball sack thats fine, everyone has a favourite fighter in each division, but at least follow along with what people are REALLY saying in their comments.
Machida or Rampage both beat Rashad. In all reality, when was the last fight Rashad looked great in? He lost the first round to Chuck before hitting him with the overhand right from hell, and he lost the first 2 rounds to Forrest. The last fight Rashad looked good in was against Jason Lambert at UFC 63. He didnt look good against Bisping, he got a draw against Tito, which was solely Titos fault, and he arguably lost the first round to Sean Salmon before hitting him with the headkick. Yes, Rashad is good, but hes not at the same level as Machida, or Rampage for that matter.
First off, at least try to keep the bigotry out of your words, secondly don't talk down about Griffin, the guy has improved so much already and he isn't an egomaniac like so many of the other fighters, he can only get better.
hahaha i always laugh when Evans talks to the magazines. He says he doesnt like to talk trash, but i guess acting like an over pompous dick during the fight can slide. Go Rampage.
i wanna like evans but everytime his mouth opens i realizes why i hated him in the first place. no matter who he fights outta lyoto or rampage he's gonna lose!! he is by far the most over rated fighter in the ufc.
Up until that face-off from his first fight on TUF I was a Rashad fight, been his fan since day 1, BUT after that face-off, I am not sure. That pissed me off so bad to see him turn into a stupid nigger.
He went from a classy, funny black guy with an education to a street thug nigger...so fucking disappointing. Walk up in a real expensive suit, and just "devolve" to absolute absurd bullshit talk!!
I been thinking about it, when all you can do is talk that kinda shit with some dude in your face, and you aren't cool enough to think of anything, and you let your inner child babble...you are a scared mofo!
Rashad Evans is scared of rampage, that's all I can think of.
And if hes afraid of rampage Machida will destroy him.
Rashad you are gonna be a 1 time champ JUST like Griffin. Enjoy your time with the belt, cause come the next fight you are going down, and most likely OUT.
Its about goddamn time Machida got a title shot! Fuck Rashad Evans! I hope Machida kicks the piss out of him. I think that this will be a better fight anyway. Rashad is pretty fast. I think he can catch machida with something.
I'm just a little worried and slightly confused about the way Rashad is going to try to submit Rampage if they do indeed fight. From the post fight interview with Rogan, "As far as me fighting Rampage, Ima dig in dat ass." I know they're into some weird stuff at the Jackson camp, but I've never heard of this sub. Is it called a Sub Sub?
Rashad / Jackson is not going to happen anytime soon.
It will be Machida / Evans, Machida will get the title. From there It will be Jackson / Machida, with Machida holding the title. From there.. who knows.
...All those people in Newport Beach he almost ran over in his monster truck must have been white and/or mexican... time to make up for the lack of Black targets! I bet this crime will be dismissed as well.
last 10 sec LMAO. He beat him all 3 rounds. Jardine, and Evans need to stop blowing each other. I hope they never let anyone commentate again that is friends with the fighter fighting. I got tired of Evans taking about how good Jardine was when he was getting beat. Jardine takes a punch, Evans says Joe he was prepared for that shot. Even after he lost Evans was like yeah but he got the fight he wanted. I was like Evans STFU halfway through the fight because he sucked at commentating but was excellent at a cheerleader. Maybe the nipple tweaks mean more than we know?
everyone on lyoto's nuts 4got one major factor , evans doesn't need to chase him down to win he's the champ they could dance for all 5 rounds and lyoto could land the only punch of the entire fight and would still lose. I wanna see this fight just to see what lyoto's made out of when he doesn't get to back up and play the elusive card for the whole fight.
Anyone thinks jackson-evans would draw near couture-lesner is on crack and need to put the watermelon and freind chicken down, stop marrying your family and remove yourself from Jackson's nuts.
Lesner and Couture are huge draws.
Evans was the main event of the worse selling ufc event in last 4 years (november 06) not to mention the only ufc I have not brought or attended since Zuffa brought the company.
Unless they make it a really solid undercard I could see this being a skipable event, much like this last card was without the real main event of Carwin-Gonzaga.
RASHAD IS SUCH AN ASSHOLE. he always showboats when he is losing and has no sportsmanship, he is such a punk. I don't care who beats him Rampage or Lyoto, I just wanna see him get embarassed. What a prick. grow the fuck up little boy. Someone better put this trick ass mark in his place. If I seen em there would be someblack on black crime, then i'd fuck his momma dry.
Lyoto would have to press the action for once , it would be nice to see but I hope he understands that 90% of the time you don't beat the champ by lasting for 5 rounds , you got to beat him decisively.
On the other hand that would be one of the biggest reasons IMO Tim Silva was a horrible champ back in the day because he stopped fighting to win and started attempting not to get beat. For that reason I would never want Lyoto as the champ he would just run in circles and never fight again yet still win.
Hopefully Rashad hurts his hand too (just a little bit) in training (wink-wink) *BEFORE* he signs the contract with Machida and then gets time to heal up as well. That way he and Rampage both come back and finish what they started. :)
Damnit Rashad if there were ever a time where you read this site let it be now!!!!
You're an idiot. Bisping is shit. Rashad everytime he gets into that Octagon gets better and better. This isn't the WWF or EliteXC with predetermined victors to "slow-down" a hype train.
Rashad is one of the fastest if not THE fastest fighter in the heavier weightclasses (MW-HW). Lyoto is the one who's going to have to hunt. Trust me, Rashad will be slipping punches left and right and knock Lyoto the fuck out.
I don't know what a bunch of yall are talking about Jardine winning that fight until the last 10 seconds. Cecil Peoples called that fight 30-27 Jackson. That Peoples is a stand-up guy.
for a true mma fan? or fan of guy on guy dancing (the real reason you'll be watching it alone LOL). and before you call me a novice i have been down with ufc since day one.
every one is forgeting just how fast rashad is, and for once lyoto will be the slower guy in the cage. rashad by brutal knock out or GnP, but this one will be a snnnooooozzzzeee fest and for once lyoto is gonna have to chase HIS opponet if he wants that belt then good night.
Just go back and watch the Evans Bisping fight, the only reason Bisping lost ( and I'm not a Bisping fan ) is because the UFC took alot of heat from the Hamill/ Bisping fight where they gave the fight to Bisping and robbed Hamill. They had to slow the Bisping train down and in doing so they gave the decision to Rashad, who really did lose the fight. Now altho Rashad has improved since that fight ( mostly in his cockiness after knockin Chuck out ) Machida has def improved as well, look for Lyoto to win and keep the belt for a long time, Rashad has only a punchers chance.
Looks like Lyoto will be our next champ. Rashad will not be able to figure out Machida's fighting style. Hell, I think nobody has been able to. This fight will be interesting to watch for the true MMA fan. For the novices out there, I dont think they will be very interested in this fight. In other words, this is a fight I will pay for and watch on my own without having any of my friends over since they will not be able to appreciate this type of fight.
man im so glad people are cheering for Machida, I been swinging off his nuts for a while now.
I genuinely believe Evans would beat Jackson in no more then 3 rounds, i'd rather see Machida vs Evans go over 5 rounds, although I do see Machida winning by sub in the 3rd.
i agree with C-LoS, jardine lost that whole fight. he got taken down in every round. and to say that rashad has knocked out everyone they put in front of him is rediculous. he couldn't finish a fight when he started in the UFC. the rashad / machinda fight will be great and finally someone will ends rashads lil dancing around in the ring shit. i actually hope he gets knocked out in the middle of a nut grab. that would make my year.
that, and of note, typical ghengis jackson antics, with the fingers to the eyes and deliberate kick to the groin. yes i said deliberate, play it back, more like a field goal kick than an inside leg kick sliding up. give me a break.
you guys saying that Page won that fight in the last 10 seconds are idiots....Jardine got dropped twice not only that he was hurt numerous times... plus Page's takedowns....you guys need to learn how to look at fights... the first round was close but the second and third weren't.. just because on of the judges told Jardine that he lost in the last 10 seconds doesn't mean that the other judges agreed with him specially if it was Cecil "got love for my" Peoples oppening his trap...maybe if Jardine would of used his kicks a little bit more, maybe just maybe it would of been different outcome....
I honestly think Rashad matches up against Machida better than anyone he has faced before. He has power, but is patient enough to wait and not get Machida'd by being too aggressive, and I think he is one of the smarter fighters out there and can follow a game plan to perfection. Not saying he's gonna win, but I think he has the best shot of doing it. But damn, I think a Rashad/Rampage fight would be epic. Thanks, Frank Mir.
Uncle Sams Misguided Child (USMC)- March 10, 2009 at 9:19 am
Either way this is a win win situation for Dana. If Machida wins he can still do the bad blood match between Evans and Jackson. Or Evans wins and its a bad blood match for the championship. I see Machida winning this thing but anything can and will happen. Also how great would it be to see Machida d. Evans, Jackson d. Evans, Machida d. Jackson, and then in fantasy land A. Silva ss. L. Machida.
I understand why some people find Machida a bit... dull to watch. However, I think he shut up most of those people with his performance against Silva. Granted, Silva is no Evans or Page, but I think Machida has been listening to his critics and will come out better, more aggressive and more explosive than ever. No way his fight against Evans goes the full 5. Machida by sub in the 2nd (Im calling it now).
lyoto isnt gonna be able to slip away the entire fight, evans is gonna do the same thing he did to chuck. he doesnt have to press, he just has to be ready to blast when the time is right. everyone chases machida down, and he shuck and jives until they open up and he lands some damage. greg jackson is going to be all over machida, theyre definately going to exploit his "sideways" stance. if thiago silva can put machida against the cage, rashad can. if tito of all people can get him in a deep triangle rashad can sweep him. machida and evans are two great fighters, but i dont see this being as one sided as everyone seems to think. if rashad finishes machida its going to be GnP, or a widowmaker from south mississipi this isnt going to go to the judges...
its easier to find Bin Laden than Machidas chin and there will be more dancing on that fight than at the finale of Dancing With The Stars. But Machida does deserves the shot, he should be next in line. IMO
The post fight staredown between Rampage and Rashad was seriously one of the funniest staredowns I have seen in a while. Rampage is hilarious!! However he definately should take some rest and fight the winner of Evans/Machida.
I miss Rampage from the ultimate fighter and all his antics and funny ass comments mixed with his Ridiculous choice of words.
The difference in PPV buys would be trivial, either fight would be a great headliner. Machida may not be as popular as Rampage, but I'm sure the UFC can work it's marketing to promote Machida in a unique light easily. He is undefeated and has probably the slickest and most dangerous style in the division. He doesn't have a highlight reel of KO's but that's when you focus on technique and potential.
Man Rampage knows how to hype a fight. I hope he knocks Evan's fucking block off. I am pumped for that fight. Whenever that fight does go down it should be called UFCXX Black on Black Crime Motherfucker.
You guys are tools to sit there and call Evans over rated, Lets see hes only knocked out EVERYONE they have put in front of him, Where do you guys come up with this shit?? I'm personally glad to see Lyoto get it first. If you dont think that camp will have Suga 100% ready to deal with Lyoto's elusiveness Where the fuck have you guys been for the last yr or 2? There will be a nipple tweek then there will be a KO in the 3rd mark my words!
Just glad to see so much serious support for Lyoto, a class act and a true representative of traditional martial arts in a modern setting. Evans is also a product of discipline and respect for the martial process, but Lyoto was born into it and has a major head start. Evans will have a really tough time figuring him out, as he already noted. This could be a very short fight, depending on what Rashad tries...
Sure, Evans vs. Machida won't be the stand up slugfest that Rampage vs. Evans would be, but at this point just give the shot to Machida. The guy has the record for it, he's earned it. It's got at least something to build on, too. Two undefeated fighters with fighting to retain their perfect record and even bigger, the light heavyweight title. Plus if there's anybody right now that might be able to beat Lyoto, it could very well be Evans. I wouldn't cry if Evans lost the belt either.
That is what happens when you are the champ in the deepest division in the UFC you have to be ready for any fighter cause all of them want that belt. Rashad will always get that hate for some reason even after he beats people he is supposed to lose against. Machida poses more of a threat to Rashad than Page at the moment. I would like to see Page vs. Evans though so there is no doubt when it comes down to Undefeated vs. Undefeated for the title.
I'd rather see Lyoto beat Rashad than 'Page. BUT I think the 'Page vs Rashad fight has the most PPV power, more drama, and will be more unpredictable, which creates excitement and interest. Watching Lyoto is like watching a chess master. You're amazed, in awe, full of respect, but your pulse doesn't rise one iota.
yeah rite if machida and evens fight, it's gonna be the most dancing since diago vs kos, most boring title fight ever!! it will rival the shamrock vs severn superfight from back in the day, but rashad will win by landing the only punch and will knock the dragon out. this fight will suck!!!
Machida will make Evans look like a fool. All the dancing and taunting won't matter since Machida is only going to hit you if he knows he'll connect. Plus, you can't knockout what you can't hit.
Rampage: Ill knock you out cleean
Rashad: Ill give you the first punch. Ill knock you out motherfucker
Rampage: Okkkkkk. Dont say that. I want it fair and square
I hope Machida gets the first shot. Rashad is not over rated but Machida will beat him. And then he will beat Jackson. Machida is the true champion, its just not official yet.
Lyoto can own both of them. Evans and Jackson have ridiculous punching power, but if they can't find Machidas chin its going to be really hard to knock him out. This is why I love MMA, always evolving. Somebody will find a way to beat machida, I just don't think either of them can do it.
Machida will be the LHW champ by the end of 2009 regardless of who he fights and when. He will probably clean out the division similar to what Silva did at middleweight....just not as violently.
Evans over-rated? I don't think so, just look at who he's beaten. Someone could make the case that Jackson is a bit over-rated. He was supposed to have no problems with Jardine, but look how he won that fight...in the last 10 seconds.
Evans Jackson has the potential to be draw near or greater numbers than Couture Lesner. That said, I don't know that giving Jackson the first punch is a good idea.
I would actually rather see Lyoto fight Evans. Lyoto is undefeated, takes very little damage and I would love to see these two different type of fighters go up against one another.
Jackson/Evans would be more exciting b/c of the potential stand-up all fight, but Lyoto has earned his shot and if you're a true fan of MMA, you should love Lyoto's skill versus Evans power.
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commentsThe Irish Wolfhound Says:
Tue, 03/10/2009 - 14:11
@ UFC Fan
First off, at least try to keep the bigotry out of your words, secondly don't talk down about Griffin, the guy has improved so much already and he isn't an egomaniac like so many of the other fighters, he can only get better."
first off---fuck OFF dickweed, don't tell me what to think or say, don't like it, leave you pussy.
Griffin was a good guy till he won the belt, and he turned into an egomaniac, he learned a lesson, he wasn't as good as he thought.
rashad is now the same way, he never talked shit like that before now he has GOLD in his eyes, and thinks his shit don't stink.
He became a nigger...and fuck you if you don;t like it.
Rampage and Evans would be a good brawl, and a bigger ppv draw than Machida, talent notwithstanding. I'd personally prefer to see Rampage and Evans purely for entertainment value alone. At least you could be certain both fighters would leave it all in the cage.
FWIW, think that you could line up Evans and Machida, give them the 20 lbs handicap... and Anderson Silva would still whip them both in under 3 rounds combined. This isn't America's Best Dance Crew or hide and seek.
I'd pass on a Machida/Evans main event ppv unless the undercard was a really good lineup. Rampage and Evans would be worth it, for two reasons. Rampage is comical, and I can't wait to see Evans lose. Ask Marvin Eastman what black on black crime is all about.
LMAO, get with the program and pay attention to what really goes on junior. If you wanna swing from Rashad's ball sack thats fine, everyone has a favourite fighter in each division, but at least follow along with what people are REALLY saying in their comments.
And in other news, the Tooth Fairy is real, the world economy is in great shape, and Kimbo Slice is the real deal.
Q.J. "don't say that rashad"
I want a full script of that trash talk session!!
First off, at least try to keep the bigotry out of your words, secondly don't talk down about Griffin, the guy has improved so much already and he isn't an egomaniac like so many of the other fighters, he can only get better.
He went from a classy, funny black guy with an education to a street thug nigger...so fucking disappointing. Walk up in a real expensive suit, and just "devolve" to absolute absurd bullshit talk!!
I been thinking about it, when all you can do is talk that kinda shit with some dude in your face, and you aren't cool enough to think of anything, and you let your inner child babble...you are a scared mofo!
Rashad Evans is scared of rampage, that's all I can think of.
And if hes afraid of rampage Machida will destroy him.
Rashad you are gonna be a 1 time champ JUST like Griffin. Enjoy your time with the belt, cause come the next fight you are going down, and most likely OUT.
It will be Machida / Evans, Machida will get the title. From there It will be Jackson / Machida, with Machida holding the title. From there.. who knows.
...All those people in Newport Beach he almost ran over in his monster truck must have been white and/or mexican... time to make up for the lack of Black targets! I bet this crime will be dismissed as well.
No, he much prefers to grab his crotch during a fight, wiggle his hips and tweak his nipples. Douchbag!
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