Evans Steps In For Silva, Faces Jackson At UFC 130

Evans in, Silva out against “Rampage”

Thiago Silva has been forced to withdraw from his UFC 130 match up with former light heavyweight champion Quinton Jackson, but “Rampage” already has a new opponent.

According to MMAWeekly.com, Rashad Evans, who is a longtime enemy of the former PRIDE superstar, has stepped in to face his nemesis at the May show after having to pull out of his UFC 129 match up against champion Mauricio Rua due to injury.

Jackson, a longtime fan favorite, last fought at UFC 123 against fellow former champion Lyoto Machida, earning a close decision victory. Prior to that, however, he dropped a unanimous decision to Evans in their highly-anticipated UFC 114 contest last May. He has won three of his last four contests and remains a top 205 lb. fighter in the promotion.

While Evans may not have the opportunity to face Rua for the light heavyweight title now, he does have the opportunity to defeat Jackson on consecutive occasions. The result of the first fight between the two earned Evans the title shot, along with his unanimous decision victory over the aforementioned Silva at UFC 108.

UFC 130 is set for May 28 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada and features a lightweight title fight between champion Frankie Edgar and top contender Gray Maynard. The two 155 lb. elite lightweights competed at UFC 125, but their rematch ended in a draw, forcing a trilogy. Jackson vs. Evans will rightfully serve as the co-main event.

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