Rashad Evans‘ road to the UFC light heavyweight title goes through Phil Davis at UFC on FOX 2 this weekend.
Evans, who is carrying an impressive record of 16-1-1, will look to extend his winning streak in hopes of challenging former teammate Jon Jones later this year. Davis, who currently owns a respectable record of 9-0, is one of the 205-pound division’s top prospects.
While neither man has showed any disrespect toward the other prior to their main event, the intensity has certainly picked up in the last few weeks.
Evans obviously holds more experience than his opponent, but some critics have pointed to Davis’ strength and wrestling credentials as clear advantages to earn the victory. Davis does hold solid wins over some credible competition, but according to “Suga,” he has yet to face anyone of his caliber at this stage of his young career.
“He ‘ain’t ready. He ain’t ready. He knows he ain’t ready,” Evans said about Davis during UFC media call. “I looked into your eyes and you ain’t ready. You just a boy.”
The two light heavyweights were originally expected to square off at UFC 133 before Davis was forced to pull out due to a knee injury. Now both competitors will meet to determine the next title contender in the light heavyweight division.
While both Evans and Davis will approach their main event looking for something to prove, it is Evans who feels like he has the most to gain entering the bout, as the outcome of his matchup will have a impact on the future of the division.
Evans is only focused on continuing to remain successful inside the Octagon, and whether a title shot is granted or not, Evans is aware it is nearly in his reach.
“I don’t own a special spot,” he said. “It’s a privilege to be No. 1 contender, but I’m yet to fight for the belt. If the UFC has another contender to put in there, by all means, that’s what they have to do and I’ll just do what I have to do which is get another title shot.”
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