Rashad Evans understands the reasoning behind Jones vs. Machida
Posted on October 6, 2011, 04:45 PM by Trent Reinsmith
Yesterday there was some speculation that UFC 140’s main event would feature the long awaited bout between current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and former Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans. When UFC President Dana White got wind of that talk he quickly put it to rest, flatly stating, via Twitter, “Don't listen to these HACK s**t websites!! Jones vs Evans is not true.”
Earlier today White announced the fight that was going to headline the December 10 card, Jones versus another former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, Lyoto Machida.
Rashad Evans, who looked like he would be in next in line to face Jones, offered his take on the turn of events, "After my last fight against Tito Ortiz, I dislocated my right thumb, which required it to be set back in place and held with pins. 24 hours ago, my physician removed the pins. At that time, I learned that it would require another three weeks of rehabilitation before engaging in any exercise or training that would require the use of my hand.
Dana White and I spoke earlier today, and I fully understand his decision to put Machida against Jones for the title at UFC 140. Given the rehabilitation time I require for my dislocated thumb, I would not be 100 percent ready by December 10. The UFC has to keep making fights that entertain the fans. I would have done the same thing as Dana in his position. I'm asking for the fans to support me as I rehabilitate my hand, and I promise I will be back fighting very quickly."
Further Reading: Jon Jones vs. Lyoto Machida set to headline UFC 140 in December
Photo: Rashad Evans during UFC 108 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on January 2, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Francis Specker
Comments
I don't see Machida offering much for Jones. Machida's game is to sit on the outside and pick his spots but with Jones' reach that will be very difficult. I know Machida has good TDD but if this goes to the ground he could be in trouble.
Rashad will likely get a fight with Jones March 2012.
I respectfully disagree
Disagree. Rashad had a horrible game plan against Machida. I believe if they fight again the fight could go either way. In my humble opinion Rashad is a dangerous opponent for JJ. Machida will bring a whole new dimension but that reach is immense for anybody at LHW and HW.
completely agree with you... he had the worste game plan going into that fight. maybe being the champ got to his head a little bit. but with rashads hand speed, head movement and foot work to get in and out quickly would make a good match for jones. and I dont care what jones says, he thought of rashad as a big brother. and that would stay in his head a little in the fight
Rashad has developed the best tactic we've seen so far to get the best of Jones --- wait him out until he retires!
Total bummer here though... unbelievable amount of bad luck.
this sucks but rashads playing the smart option, why should he put himself at an automatic disadvantage in a fight just to make the 140 card? hope he makes a speedy recovery, because he looked outstanding in his last fight. (cant **** around with sore thumbs! u need your thumbs!)
don't be so sure that's bad luck. more information available doesn't seem so "unfortunate" to me. he'll get his turn in due time.
I'll say what I said the first time this match up got cancelled...if these guys ever fight, it's gonna years down the road.
It just has the feel of one of those "ghost ship" matches. When ever it's spotted, it suddenly disappears.
Rashad will get his chance at the title, though Jones may not have it then.
Machida's elusive style, quick footwork and hand speed, excellent TDD and underrated ground game are a perfect set of skills to take on Jones.
I like a champ who defends his title so frequently--kudos to JJ.
That's Good Rashad! :)
Is it the Machida era again?
What happened to Chuck Liddell ? Should put JJ Against Chuck ! Yeah, Feed JJ to the Wolf !..... Wooooooffffff ......wooooo
Rashad is loosing stock quickly.
Rashad hurt his hand again whacking off to Jones' photograph.
Well it's not like Dana & the UFC were going to wait for him to heal up yet again. The show must go on.