Evans says Reyes fight ‘exactly what what Jon Jones needed’

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Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans joined Joe Rogan on his popular podcast to discuss the aftermath of UFC 247. UFC 247 was an eye-opening event for many. It was on…

UFC 133: Weigh-In

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Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans joined Joe Rogan on his popular podcast to discuss the aftermath of UFC 247.

UFC 247 was an eye-opening event for many. It was one of the very few times that Jon Jones looked beatable. Jones who has dominated the UFC’s light heavyweight division for over a decade now has a swathe of hungry challengers circling to dethrone the 205-lbs king.

One fighter who knows all about the proverbial weight of the title is Rashad Evans. Evans while being a champion in the highest echelons of the sport, was also a mentor to Jones before a very public feud led to Evans leaving the Jackson-Wink camp. Evans and Jones would go on to meet each other at UFC 145 where Jones won by unanimous decision.

Recently, Evans joined commentator Joe Rogan on his popular podcast show to discuss the aftermath of Jones’s fight against Dominick Reyes.

“This is exactly what Jon [Jones] needed in the light heavyweight weight class. Because it was getting kind of stagnant. And I think it needed some time to mature, but I think Dominick Reyes just said ‘yo you better stay here [in the division] for a little bit’,” Evans said.

Jones who was expected to move up a weight class if he resoundingly defeated Reyes, was halted with some unfinished business as many believe the judges’ nod was controversial. It marks the second fight in a row for Jones where he has had to face adversity against a tough challenger. Thiago Santos lost a split decision victory to Jones only a few months prior.

Rogan and Evans spoke about potential challengers to the title. There was one name that they both agreed could be the one to end Jones’ reign.

“And here’s another guy: Corey Anderson,” Evans said

“That’s the dark horse. I’ve been telling everybody. The way he [Anderson] knocked out Johnny Walker — and he’s angry,” Rogan concurred with Evans’ assessment.

UFC 244: Anderson v Walker
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Corey Anderson defeated Johnny Walker — another young upcoming fighter who was touted to be in line to challenge for the belt. Despite winning in dramatic fashion, a usually demure Anderson was not pleased. He was angry.

“After that fight he was letting everybody know: ‘You f–kers been slippin’. You been sleeping on me. You guys have been pretending that I don’t exist. I’m out here beating the best in the world’,” Rogan said.

Evans who was inducted into the UFC’s Hall of Fame in July 2019, was recently training with Corey Anderson and coach Mark Henry. He had a few words to say about Anderson’s work ethic.

“The years of disrespect though. And that’s how he trained, he always trained with that mind-set that, ‘oh they don’t respect me’ that’s why he works so hard.”

Corey Anderson looks to continue a four-fight win streak when he faces Jan B?achowicz on February 15, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 167. A victory could signal a destined match-up against ‘Bones’.