• UFC 145

'Opportunity' could tempt Rashad to 185lbs

ESPN staff
April 22, 2012
Rashad Evans has to rebuild his career after UFC 145 © Getty Images
Enlarge

Rashad Evans insists he will stay at light-heavyweight, unless "an opportunity" presents itself in the UFC middleweight division.

Evans has enjoyed a stellar career in the 205 weight class, only losing to Lyoto Machida before Saturday's decision defeat to Jon Jones. Mixing top drawer wrestling with powerful hands, he is an undoubted top-five fighter at light-heavyweight.

However, the weekend's loss to Jones means not only has Evans held the title once, and lost it, but he has also been back to the well for a second title shot and lost. A career-move therefore could be worth consideration.

Evans told ESPN at the back end of 2011 that he would "never say never" to the middleweight division, and on paper he boasts plenty of tools to trouble 185lb champion Anderson Silva. So will he drop down?

"No, I'm a 205-pounder," Evans stated. "I've only lost twice and I lost to some good competitors. I mean, it would be nice if I won all my fights but it doesn't happen like that sometimes.

"[However] If an opportunity happens at 185lbs then I'll take it. But I like 205lbs. I feel like I can work my way back up and get back to another title shot."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close