Former UFC champion Rashad Evans is ending his retirement to return to combat sports and score a lucrative fight against Logan Paul or Roy Jones Jr.
This is according to Evans’ manager, Ali Abdelaziz, who revealed the news to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto. According to Abdelaziz, negotiations are already ongoing for Evans’ return to action.
Rashad Evans (@SugaRashadEvans) is coming out of retirement, per his manager Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00). Discussions are already underway for his return. Not surprising, considering the climate of combat sports right now. Targeted opponents include Logan Paul and Roy Jones.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) June 19, 2021
Evans, 41, stepped away from UFC and MMA as a whole back in 2018 following a brutal knockout loss to Anthony Smith. It was Evans’ fifth-straight loss at the time which prompted the veteran to hang it up. “Suga” hadn’t been the same since his title loss to Jon Jones back in 2012, but he remained a top level contender for most of his career.
Now, Evans is stepping back into the limelight in hopes of joining the new wave of combat entertainment. With guys like Logan and Jake Paul mixing it up with former world champions for million dollar paydays it makes sense for some of these older UFC and boxing veterans to set up shop and test their hand as well.
It is unknown at this time if either Paul would be interested in a scrap with Evans, who hasn’t competed in over three years. If Evans is unable to lock down a fight with the social media influencers then maybe a matchup with former boxing world champion Roy Jones Jr. would suffice.
What do you think, Maniacs? Should Evans be coming out of retirement? Who do you see him fighting in his return?
Sound off!