Despite being former arch rivals, Jon Jones went out of his way to uplift Rashad Evans following his devastating KO loss to Glover Teixeira at UFC on Fox 19.
UFC on FOX 19 was probably one of the lowest points of Rashad Evan’s career. The former light heavyweight champion, who captured promotional gold in 2008 at UFC 92, was knocked out by Glover Teixeira in the first two minutes of the opening round
It marked his second straight loss and the second KO loss of his career (“Suga” was knocked out and dethroned by Lyoto Machida at UFC 98).
The Blackzilian fighter admitted to feeling dejected in the post-fight press conference and said he wasn’t sure where his career was headed. That’s when former rival and teammate, Jon Jones, offered Evans some words encouragement on Instagram.
“Stann’s absolutely right, keep your head up Evans. In my eyes you’ll always be a legend of the sport, you’re a great champion and always will be. Our fight records aren’t what defines us, it’s about the journey we are courageous enough to be on. Stay in the race my brother,” Jones said in the caption.
The two light heavyweights used to be training partners at Jackson-Wink MMA, but things took a turn for the worse when Evans left to establish his own gym in Florida: Blackzilians.
The rivalry stewed between both men until they eventually settled the score in a championship tilt at UFC 145. “Bones” emerged victorious, defeating Evans in a one-sided unanimous decision and defending his title for third time.
The Ultimate Fighter season two heavyweight winner hasn’t managed to reignite the spark that made him a champion in 2008 and is currently considering his options for the future.