Former UFC light heavyweight champion UFC champion Rashad Evans (19-3) will have the chance to prove that despite battling two knee surgeries, a fighter can return to action.
Evans battles Ryan Bader (19-4) at UFC 192 on pay-per-view at 10 p.m. Oct. 3.
The Blackzillians standout returns after recovering from two knee surgeries. He told The Roman Show that a victory would be special for his career.
“It would be good. Just because to battle back from one knee surgery is bad enough but then two on top of that keeping motivated still wanted to be in there with the best,” he said. “It’s been a long journey. I am excited to test and show everyone what I have been working on.”
Hear the interview, below!
His last fight was back in 2013 against Chael Sonnen, where he won via TKO in the first round. Since then, he has appeared on television as a mixed martial arts analyst and recovered.
“I was hitting a stride right before I got hurt,” said Evans, who trains in Boca Raton. “I felt it was cut pre mature. But what kept me going is to being better than what I was and beyond.”
On other end, Bader has been on a winning streak with his latest won coming in January against Phil Davis. Bader has been lobbying for a shot at the light heavyweight title, which belongs to Daniel Cormier, who will defend on the same night against Alexander Gustaffson. But Evans says he is not impressed by Bader’s winnings.
“I think he put in work but he hasn’t done enough for a title shot,” he said. “The fighters he beat are not on top of the food chain. Ryan’s career has inconsistencies. He is there, but not for a title shot yet.”
He later added, “He’s been optimistic. The biggest step is now that he is being consistent. He just needs to keep going and see where it leads him.”
Hear the entire interview, now!
