Rashad Evans
Evans contemplating drop to middleweight
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans says he is considering a drop from the 205 lb. mark down to the middleweight limit of 185 lbs.
Evans discussed the possibility with Franklin McNeil of ESPN.
“I’ve been thinking about going down to middleweight lately,” Evans told ESPN.com. “I haven’t totally made up my mind. It’s something I’m going to think about a little more in the coming months and see where my body’s at, but I’m definitely giving it serious consideration. The odds of me moving down to 185 are 50-50 or better.”
Evans last fought at UFC 145 against light heavyweight title-holder Jon Jones, losing to the champion via unanimous decision. The title bout was Evans’ first since losing his title to Lyoto Machida at UFC 98.
Now, the light heavyweight contender is perhaps eyeing the middleweight strap, held by longtime champion Anderson Silva. He is fairly certain he will be able to cut the 20 lbs. down to the middleweight mark, but plans to make sure it is possible before officially fighting at the weight.
“I’m pretty sure I can make the cut,” Evans said. “I’ve never been down that low. If I decide to move down, I will do a practice cut first to make sure my body can do it. That will determine whether I can fight at middleweight or not.”
Evans went on to say that a move to middleweight would be a permanent one, if only to fight new faces. He has been an elite member of the light heavyweight division for nearly four years.
A move to middleweight would send Evans into the packed top-tier of the division, which includes the likes of Chael Sonnen, Vitor Belfort, and Brian Stann, among others. He would likely find himself in contention immediately.
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