Former UFC light heavyweight “Suga” Rashad Evans (15-1-1) maintains his status as number one contender for the 205 lb title. The announcement was made on Thursday nights episode of ESPN’s ‘MMA Live’ by UFC President Dana White. The only obstacle barring a title shot for Evans would be the health of the victor after this Saturday’s title bout.
Evans had earned the #1 spot after his victory over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson back in May of last year at UFC 114. “Suga” sat out the rest of the year waiting for the recently crowned champ, Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, to recover from knee surgery. Evans was scheduled to meet Rua this weekend at UFC 128 but suffered a knee injury while training and was replaced by Team Jackson teammate Jon “Bones” Jones.
This announcement clears up any lingering questions about whether the two teammates would fight one another, as both Evans and Jones had originally said they would not fight one another. Over the past month both men have warmed up to the idea and have said they are willing to meet in the octagon.
Jones meets “Shogun” Rua tomorrow in the main event of UFC 128 in Newark, New Jersey on March 19 at the Prudential Center.