10 years ago, Rashad Evans was the king of the world.
The run Rashad Evans went on between 2017 and 2018 is what will ultimately secure him a spot in the hall of fame.
After drawing with Tito Ortiz, the TUF winner handed Michael Bisping his first defeat before scoring back-to-back knockouts over Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin – the latter earned him UFC gold. He lost via KO to Lyoto Machida in his first defence, but that run will live long in the memories of anyone who witnessed it.
Flash forward to 2018 and Evans is riding a very different kind of streak. At UFC 225, ‘Sugar’ slumped to his fifth consecutive loss to go 2-7 in his last nine trips to the Octagon. Anthony Smith needed just 53 seconds to brutally knock out the former champion. The 29-year-old put the legend to sleep with a thunderous knee in the clinch. He followed it up with some ground and pound before the referee dragged him off to end the contest.
Oh my!! 😱@LionheartSmith stops Rashad Evans with a HUGE knee at #UFC225! pic.twitter.com/66QXmOmNbI
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 9, 2018
The result sees Smith bounce back in his 205 lb debut after getting finished by Thiago Santos his last time out. Afterwards, he called out the heavy-hitting Sam Alvey for a future bout.
As for Evans, he will have to seriously consider his options. He hasn’t registered a victory since his TKO victory over Chael Sonnen in 2013.
The reaction to the fight from the MMA community was one of general sorrow. While folks were happy for Smith, it was tough seeing Evans lose another fight in such a violent manner.
Tough watching a former champion fight on early prelims and get badly KO'd. You finish your career making highlight reels or featuring on someone else's if you hang around too long. Tough tough sport. #UFC225
— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) June 9, 2018
I’m a big fan of @SugaRashadEvans. Loved watching his rise from last pick on TUF to LHW champ of the world. I would like to see him retire with that body of work still intact and respected. @ufc
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) June 9, 2018
That fight made no sense. I am a big Rashad fan. Smith is a beast.
— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) June 9, 2018
I think the monstars stole Rashad Evens talent. 😒 #ufc225
— Eryk Anders (@erykanders) June 9, 2018
