· Weekend Rewind: The Controversial Fight Of Evans vs. Bisping
Tonight former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans headlines the UFC’s second foray into network television as he hopes to stop the rise of Phil Davis, the man who many have already deemed the only fighter who can truly challenge Jon Jones for the title. Meanwhile in the co-main event, Michael Bisping and Chael Sonnen will meet to determine who the next man to face pound-for-pound king Anderson Silva for the UFC middleweight crown.
Two men whose names will be on the marquee are no strangers to one another. Back in 2007, Michael “The Count” and “Suga” Rashad Evans met in a battle of undefeated "The Ultimate Fighter" winners. In the pre-fight hype, both men espoused that “someone’s 0 has got to go.”
While many considered "UFC 78: Validation" to be a tepid card at best, the headlining bout did not pass without some controversy. Evans looked to show off his wrestling abilities, as the Brit attempted to strike and stay busy off his back. In what was still a highly contentious split decision victory for the (then) Jackson’s product, many fans and pundits felt that the Brit was robbed.
The win propelled Evans up the rankings and kept him in the main event. His next bout featured the punch heard round the world as he separated the legendary Chuck Liddell from consciousness with one thunderous right hand, and eventually wrested the title from the newly crowned Forrest Griffin.
Bisping’s career was also met with a major change after UFC 78. The Wolf’s Lair product finally listened to the advice of many of those around him and dropped to middleweight, now 8-2 in the lighter division, Bisping is finally knocking on the door to a title shot.
