TORONTO — Rashad Evans wanted to fight for the championship. Phil Davis wanted time off. Neither man got their wish. Earlier this week, the UFC announced the two would face each other at UFC 133 in August.
It was a situation born of necessity, after UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones was informed that his hand injury would require surgery, pushing back his return to the octagon. UFC president Dana White said Jones might need as much as six months before he’s ready to come back, and time waits for no man, even the champ. So the UFC went to plan B. Last time this happened, Evans passed, electing to wait and fight Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. But then Rua got healthy, Evans got hurt and was forced to withdraw. Now it’s coming up on a year in between fights for Evans, and he can’t afford to wait any longer.
A loss will nearly certainly knock Evans out of the No. 1 contender spot, but that doesn’t mean Davis will be fighting for a chance to compete for the belt.