The tables have suddenly turned on Rashad Evans.
Jon Jones has criticized the former UFC light heavyweight champion for backing out of their upcoming title bout, after Evans was forced out due to a hand injury, and accusing him of ducking him. Jones suffered the same criticism from Evans when he was forced to pull out of their original bout at UFC 133, who was later replaced by Tito Ortiz.
In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Jones said he believes Evans intentionally pulled out of their title bout.
“I didn’t necessarily want to fight at (UFC)140, but because it was Rashad, I said, ‘You know what? I would take the fight in nine weeks.’ I’m already in shape,’ “Jones said.
“Rashad, predicting that I would say no, he kind of kicked himself in the butt because I said yes, he turns around and says, ‘Oh, I didn’t expect Jon to say yes. I don’t want to fight him that soon.’ So in reality, he’s kind of the one who’s ducking the fight. I feel like he’s ducking the fight.”
Evans now finds himself in limbo once again as he passes up another title opportunity. As a result, Lyoto Machida has replaced Evans to meet Jones in the main event at UFC 140.
Ironically, it was Machida who initially turned down the chance to face Evans when Jones was injured, as he asked for a higher compensation on a three week notice.
The feud between Jones and Evans will now only continue to escalate into the new year, and if everything goes according to plan, Evans will finally receive his title shot sometime next year.
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