i may be wrong, but i never see a lot of love for rashad evans in this forum, and i'm at a loss to know why tbh. i think he's a really good fighter, seems a nice guy out of the octagon too. anyway, do many of you, or any of you, expect him to beat jon jones? if he doesn't, do you think he'll be the one fighter so far, who'll possibly give jones his toughest test to date? the closest fighter yet to beating jones?
Yeah. It may be a stupid reason but listening to Mitrione's interview on the MMA Hour the other night, he said Rashad looked really sharp. Made me think that this is a real personal fight for Rashad and he'll be training his ass off, and he's probably one of the top 3 wrestlers in the UFC if not the world. I think Jones could be in for a tough fight and we'll be seeing more of his ground game.
I wouldn't make Rashad the favorite, but he does have a chance. We have yet to see Jones fight off his back, and if anyone has the speed to get him there; it's Evans. It all depends on how well Rashad can close the distance, and if he is able to take Jones down if he does. If Rashad can't close the distance, or can't get Jones down, it will likely be just a matter of time before Jones takes him out.
I'm warming up to him. Things going for him: The way he fought against Machida, in his embarrassingly brutal loss he tried to recover to his feet rather than try to tie up on the ground. Machida was on a tear and his style was considered enigmatic at the time, that showed some balls and confidence in his skills. He had to know that one of them was going to get knocked out, and he was throwing to do exactly that. He got loopy and stepped in on Machida and got tagged. That whole sequence was the result of one serious mistake, but still one single mistake. It was just about the worst kind of mistake you can make, but everyone makes mistakes sooner or later. He wrestle ****ed Phil Davis who not only a great wrestler. Davis is stronger than Rashad but Rashad beat him with technique early and slowed him to a crawl. That first round counter sweep to takedown was sickening, then he followed up with aggressive gnp, improved positions for a reason and showed it with that mounted crucifix. Things he has going bad for him: That style of fighting that doesn't lend itself to trying to inflict damage, but instead simply controlling, smothering and always taking the avenue of slightest risk and slightest reward. That **** he pulled against Rampage was ******ed, really a highlight of **** I hate about the state of MMA. That, whatever that was called, I know he didn't consider that fighting because I have seen Rashad fight.. He didn't fight Rampage and that was an enormous knock on him imo. But, like I said, he's growing on me. I see how he fights, and if that guy that fights shows up against Jones I say he has shot if he can manage to take Bones down, I actually believe in he will put his all in trying to finish Bones on the ground. He needs to get the takedown and dissect Jones with accurate powerful gnp. If he stands I don't like his chances, he stands stationary sometimes with head movement, when he moves in people time him, I don't know if he has fixed this yet but both play right into Jones style.. If he does that with Jones he will likely get picked apart, but he has legit power, he could get lucky, punchers chance. Problem is, the version that likes to wall n stall has a chance to win too. We already considered how the standing and the ground game will go, but haven't considered who would dominate the clinch. Jones is a beast, but I don't know.. I think Rashad could possibly, leverage him against the cage while throwing arm punches at Jones' calf for 5 rounds and win the fight.. So yeah, he has a slim chance to win.
i've always rated rashad, and who knows, maybe the fact that they've trained together so much will give him the advantage that other opponents of jones never had?
I´m a fan and I give him a chance, just not a big one. It would be a huge upset if Evans wins but I hope that he knocks Jones out
He isn't equipped to do the job IMO. Anyone can be caught with 4oz gloves and put out, but I'm not convinced Rashad can do that, especially when you factor in Jones' length, attributes and and style. In short, I never pick a guy on the small chance of a Hail Mary landing sweet. Rashad should be beaten well by 'Bones' IMO, and pretty much everyone agrees I'm sure. Will anyone seriously make the pick that Rashad can outwrestle and stifle Jones enough to win a decision? No ****in' way :deal
Anyone has a chance. I just don't think that Rashad has too great of one. 1 in 5 chance he gets the win. Mostly stemming from the fact that he knows Jon Jones, as they've been training partners. He's probably the most motivated he's ever been for a fight. He is a very good fighter with one punch KO power.
yes if he can keep jones down. He is a good wrestler and since losing to machida, he has change his style almost like gsp did after losing to serra. He now plays it safe and used his wrestling more to his advantage. If he can do that against jones then i can see him winning this fight.