Rashad Evans and Chael Sonnen are reportedly set for returns to the Octagon at UFC on Fox 2 on Jan. 28 at Chicago’s United Center.
While no announcement has been made from UFC officials, MMAjunkie.com today first reported the news that Evans is set to face Phil Davis while Sonnen takes on Mark Munoz.
Evans most recently defeated former light heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz at UFC 133 this past August by technical knockout.
With the victory came an hand injury that forced Evans out of action, which caused him to miss the opportunity to dethrone rival Jon Jones at next Saturday’s UFC 140 pay-per-view in Toronto.
Evans’ opponent that night was scheduled to be Davis himself, but an knee injury forced his exit from the fight and he’s been out of action ever since.
With a victory over Davis, Evans is expected to be awarded a shot at the winner of Jones and Lyoto Machida.
Davis and Evans will headline the event, which is set for five-rounds.
As for Sonnen and Munoz, they each make returns fresh off impressive victories.
Sonnen defeated Brian Stann at UFC 136 by second round submission after dominating Stann throughout the first round with superior ground work.
The victory was Sonnen’s first fight since dominating champion Anderson Silva for the better part of four-and-a-half rounds with superior wrestling and ground work before slipping up and falling to an fifth-round submission from Silva.
Many expected Sonnen to rematch Silva in the first quarter of 2012, but an shoulder injury to Silva has evidently led to a matchup with Munoz.
Munoz, a former NCAA D-I wrestling standout has claimed victory in four-consecutive fights with his most recent win coming against Chris Leben at UFC 138.
Like Sonnen, Munoz’ strength is his wrestling so it will be interesting to see who truly is the more dominant ground practioner.
Munoz and Sonnen will be the co-headliner for the UFC’s second event on Fox.
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