As the date approaches, it has become more and more evident that nobody wants this fight to finally happen as much as the two light heavyweights headlining UFC 145, especially Rashad Evans. It has been a long and difficult road for Evans who was pitted against his teammate forcing him to change training camps. Evans moved his life to Boca Raton, Florida, and to make the move even tougher, he separated from his wife. Greg Jackson, Evan’s longtime mentor, friend and head coach will corner Jon Jones in the big Atlanta scrap, giving Evans yet another tough break in his quest back to the top. Jones has done his talking, and Evans is tired of doing his. Come April 21, Evans is entering the Philips Arena looking for nothing other than some payback and UFC gold.
As much as this matchup has grown a bit stale with all the waiting for title shots, injuries and team drama, come Saturday there will be one really exciting fight for the 205-pound UFC strap.
While the champ has proven himself time and time again against the world’s best with vicious submissions, deadly striking and an overwhelming presence in the octagon, he has his toughest test awaiting him. ‘Bones’ will have the reach, and striking advantage over virtually all of his opponents, his wrestling is top tier and his submissions are crisp. But in Atlanta’s blue corner, there will stand a superior wrestler. ‘Suga’ possesses proven knockout power, and an athletic ability that competes closely with that of the menacing Jones.
The former champion showed the world how athletic, explosive and powerful he really is when he kneed Tito right in the heart, yet his performance against Davis seemed lackluster after following such a dominant display, like having to give a speech in class right after the valedictorian finishes his. I believe that the reason for Evans not finishing Davis like he did Tito is simply that it was a wrestling stalemate, and Evans barely resorted to his takedowns in that fight because he knew he could outstrike the Penn State alum. This lack of utilization of his wrestling and more importantly not mixing and rotating of different techniques and dimensions of his game, is what granted this fight five long, exhausting to watch rounds.
When Jones stands across from his former training partner in two weeks, he will again be advantageous in the stand up department, but Evans will be successful if he can create a concoction with each of his refined attributes coming into play in a harmonious rotation. Winner of the second season of Ultimate Fighter as a heavyweight, Evans has never been submitted, and has always been able to escape difficult ground wars with his skillset learned at Michigan State. If this Blackzilian can get out in front with his wrestling, he will be able to dictate the pace, and work his ground and pound like he did against Forrest. And if he doesn’t do exactly that, we can almost be sure to witness another title defense from the youngster.
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