Evans Liddell Views

General Goods

Now rehabilitated, Liddell is ready to get back in the octagon. His first opponent, since the injury, will be The Ultimate Fighter 2 alumnus Rashad Sugar Evans in the main event at UFC 88 and Liddell expects a win against undefeated Evans would position him atop the stacked UFC lightweight division in the number 1 contender spot.

Unfortunately for Evans, Liddell's ability to stuff takedowns is legendary and he has made a career out of knocking out some of the best wrestlers-turned-MMA fighters in the history of MMA. He has knocked out Kevin Randleman, Randy Couture (2x) and Tito Ortiz. Because of this, few critics are giving Evans much of a chance against Liddell.

The end came near the cage about midway through the round. Both men cocked back at the same time, but Evans' shot got there first. It was an overhand right, and it landed flush on Liddell's chin. As he connected, Liddell's head jerked violently to the right and he lost control of his body as he limply toppled to the mat. The ex-champ was unconscious as he hit the ground and the referee immediately stepped in to call a halt to the action.

Liddell lay prone on the mat for at least two minutes as the ringside physician tended to him, and he eventually got up and shook the hand of his opponent before leaving the cage. The irony in the situation is that Liddell is the one known for his one-punch knockout power, while Evans has no such reputation. Although a January '07 KO kick against Sean Salmon made for a memorable showstopper, Evans has finished only three of his previous 14 fights with a knockout. But the former Michigan State wrestler has shown improvements in his all-around game every time out, and he vaults up the rankings with the statement win, with UFC President Dana White saying afterward that Evans has earned a title match.