UFC 98: Evans vs Machida Preview

Current Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida put their undefeated records on the line on the 23rd May to determine once and for all who is the pound-for-pound cage fighter.

In the brutal and, somewhat controversial, sport of Mixed Martial Arts, there is only room for king of the cage and this fight is sure establish who this fighter will be.

With both fighters having disposed of ‘Ultimate Fighting Championship’ fan favourites such as Tito Ortiz and poster boy Chuck Liddell in previous fights, the UFC 98 headlining fight is sure to blow the roof off the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Rashad ‘Suga’ Evans boasts an impressive record with 18 wins, no losses and only one draw. Equally impressive is his opponents record, coming into the fight 14-0-0.

UFC President Dana White said: “Neither guy has learned how to lose yet, and I’m interested to see if Rashad is the first fighter to figure out Machida’s style, as well as if Machida can withstand the striking power and wrestling of Rashad.’

Previous fighters have failed to cope with Machida’s unpredictable and unorthodox offence, and like-wise with Evan’s knockout power punches.

On a date yet to be decided, the winner of this battle will face top contender Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson in a contest, which is sure to top this bout.

In the UFC 98 co-headliner, long-term rivals Matt Hughes and Matt ‘The Terror’ Serra face off in the ultimate grudge match.

The feud, which has been boiling for years, nearly simmered over the top when both fighters were coaches on UFC contestant show ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.

Now, the time for talking is over and both fighters will aim to come out swinging in the Octagon to put and end to this Welterweight dispute.

The event also sees a quick return to the cage for ‘The Polish Experiment’ Krzysztof Soszynski.

Having finished both of his previous fights with impressive arm locks, he is facing of against submission expert Andre Gusmao in a fight that is a strong contender to steal ‘Fight of the Night’.