The success of the Ultimate Fighter Season 1 culminated with an insane battle between Forrest Griffin and Stephan Bonnar. It made those fighters instant stars to even the most diehard MMA fan and brought in a new crop of fans. How could Dana White follow this monumental, ground breaking show? Would Dana be able to find others to once again take it up to the level of Griffin and Bonnar?
Now, picture being 5'11, 225lbs, a cast member on Season 2, and not only the shortest but one of the lightest at heavyweight. At every fight you hear the doubts about being the underdog, but you still win. Not only that, but after one of your matches Matt Hughes, one of the all time great MMA champions, criticizes you. Not with a critique on your skills, but says you're being disrespectful to your opponents by showboating in the cage. It's the finale and once again you're undersized and fighting a 6'7 260lbs Brad Imes. After the three rounds in the cage, you're the winner of a three year contract.
Picture that it's time for the big show and bright lights. You drop down to 205lbs, the light heavyweight division. Now you rip off two decisions against Hogar and Bonnar. You're hearing the whispers that you can't finish anybody, that all you do is lay and pray. You're 8-0 going into your next bout facing an opponent that's on an 8 fight win streak, but it's nothing you mount him, ground and pound, KO. In the next fight you get to headline. Second round of the fight, out of nowhere, a crushing sidekick. Fight's over. The crowd is going crazy because nobody ever expected you to finish the fight in that manner.
At 10-0, now you get your shot at the big boys; Tito Ortiz former light heavyweight champion. After three rounds of action, the bout is called a draw. You're disappointed by not getting a win but the positive spin is that you just rolled three rounds with Tito Ortiz. In some circles people believe you won the contest over Ortiz. Two fights later you face another former light heavyweight champion; you're a heavy underdog to KO specialist Chuck Liddell. Midway through the second round, Chuck swings you counter goodnight. Unbelievable knockout of the year The Iceman is on ice.
Time for the title, light heavyweight champion Forrest Griffin, winner of season 1. From day 1 you've heard it all: he's too small, he can't finish anybody, and he'll never be a champion. One last time to answer them all, third round TKO over Griffin. Now picture being Rashad Evans, the light heavyweight champion of the world. After all that I would be cocky and confident too. May 23 against Lyoto Machida, first title defense and more questions to be answered. So either cocky, confident or a showboat does it matter because Rashad Evans backs it up.
Written By Curry Shinaul
Good to see some UFC stuff on BSO
This curry guy is the best writer on the site.
I don't know why ppl use Rashad as the example, when Anderson, Tito or anybody else does it, it's funny, but when Rashad or Brock for that matter breaks out something, it's all of a sudden disrespectful. Another reason why I like Rashad.
Suga Rashad is the TRUTH
You know im comin for ya right?
Great article. More MMA. Rashad is my favorite fighter.
Good story. I think that this fight with Machida is going to be very awkward for Rashad based on the way that Machida fights. He doesn't engage much until he sees an opening. If Rashad wins this one, no one can doubt his great fighting ability.
Yeah Machida counters everything so it is going to be tough.
Rashads my boi, but i don't think he will be able to handle Machida's speed and movement.Machida is a genius at his game. he has excellent stand up. If Rashad decides to shoot, Machido will defend. I predict Machida by decision. Then again you can never count rashad out.
Great way to put this into his perspective