Introduction
Rashad Evans was once a recognized UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and is one of the all-time greats of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Throughout his MMA career, Evans has been recognized for being fast while having an elite striking & grappling game. Here, with the help of Sportkeeda, one can take a glimpse at his fight records, personal life and recent news.
Final Record:
- Total Fights: 28
- Wins: 19
- 7 by knockout
- 2 by submission
- 10 by decision
- Losses: 8
- Draws: 1
Early Life and MMA Career
Rashad Evans Born: September 25, 1979 Birthplace: Niagara Falls, New York He attended Michigan State University where he wrestled, that is where his wrestling foundation came into place before entering the MMA scene. Following his wrestling career, he made the transition to mixed martial arts (MMA) and was a contestant in the second season of The Ultimate Fighter.
MMA Career Highlights
Although he went pro in 2004, Evans’ first claim to fame was winning The Ultimate Fighter 2 tournament back in 2005. While he had competed in the series in the heavyweight class, Hamill eventually would make a huge impression at light heavyweight.
Best Fight and Wifeuty Samarawickrama
- Rashad Evans and Brad Imes (2005)
Result: Win Via Split Decision
Importance: The winner of The Ultimate Fighter, earned him a UFC oval.
- Rashad Evans vs. Michael Bisping — 2007
Outcome: Win (Split Decision)
Significance: A career-defining win over a future UFC champion
- Rashad Evans vs. Chuck Liddell (2008)
Result: KO, Round 2 — WIN
Importance: In arguably the biggest win of his career, this knockout elevated Evans to a title shot and is one of the most memorable moments in UFC history.
- Rashad Evans vs. Forrest Griffin (2008)
Outcome: Win by TKO — Round 3
Why It Matters: Evans won the UFC Light Heavyweight title from Griffin.
- Rashad Evans vs. Lyoto Machida (2009)
RESULT: Loss by KO (aural to Godley Eye, Round 2)
Context: Had his title taken from him after being out-pointed by Machida, turning in the first loss of his career.
- Rashad Evans vs. Quinton “Rampage” Jackson (2010)
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
Significance: Evans won a fight so big, that the UFC even made an entire season of TUF to promote it.
- Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis (2012)
Result: Win via Unanimous Decision
Importance: Landed himself a title shot after this dominant outing.
- Rashad Evans vs. Jon Jones (2012)
Outcome: Unanimous Decision Loss
- Notable: Challenged Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship * Result: Loss
- Rashad Evans vs. Chael Sonnen (2013)
Result: TKO Round 1 – Win
Significance: Last major win for Evans in the UFC
- Rashad Evans vs. Daniel Kelly, 2017
Result: Loss (Split Decision)
Significance: Beginning of the end for Evans, who would retire after one more contest
If you really think about it, the UFC Hall of Fame was probably his security way to stay retired from fighting.
Evans would struggle to recover his form and after a series of losses, he announced his retirement from MMA in 2018. In 2019, he was honored for his contribution to sport as an inductee into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Latest News
Back in the mix since hanging up the gloves, Rashad Evans is still keeping himself plenty busy with MMA. Today he earns his wage as an analyst for UFC shows and is a regular guest on various interviews and podcasts talking about the sport.
Surprisingly, Evans came back to compete one final time in January 2022 when he competed in a grappling bout, taking on a fight at Eagle FC 44. With a unanimous decision victory, proving that the competition remained strong within his 42-year-old mind.
Getting PersonalMLG finalized a name change for good to MLG.tv although it seems to be temporary only.
Although Rashad Evans has been quite secretive about his personal life, some of the parts are well known. He has been married two times and he has had three children Throughout his career, it is always his family life that has motivated Tony.
Evans separated from his wife LaToya Brown and had two children together. The couple divorced in 2012.
Kids: Evans is a father to four children and displays an unwavering commitment to being the best parent possible, regularly discussing his experiences with parenting in interviews.
Evans is also a ‘mama’s boy’, with his mother Shirley Evans remaining an influential figure in his life to this day, and he credits much of what has contributed to his success coming from the values she passed onto him.
Net Worth
Therefore, by 2023 Rashad Evans has a projected net worth of $8 million. He earned most of his riches from his career in a cage, sponsorships, and commentary work after leaving the octagon. In his heyday, Evans was one of the most well-compensated fighters in UFC history — bringing home very hefty fight purses as well as a good chunk of change from several sponsorship deals.
Legacy and Impact on MMA
He is one of the trailblazers of the UFC’s light heavyweight division, defining an era that was dominated by Jon Jones for close to a decade on top. His legacy comes down to his technical abilities, charisma and fight IQ. He broke down barriers, becoming one of the first major American of African descent champions in the UFC and he continues to inspire young fighters today. It is this approach that has helped Evans’ cars succeed, and his impact on the sport is still present to this day.
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