Chael Sonnen vs. Rashad Evans set for UFC 167 in Las Vegas

[Dale]

Rashad Evans and Chael Sonnen have booked their spots on the UFC's 20th anniversary weekend.

On Wednesday, the much-rumored bout between Evans, the former UFC light heavyweight champion, and Sonnen, the perennial two-division contender, which will be held at UFC 167 on Nov. 16 in Las Vegas, was announced. The news was broken on the UFC Fight Night pre-game show on FOX Sports 1.


While not yet called such, the fight is expected to be the co-main event, underneath the welterweight title fight between champion Georges St-Pierre and challenger Johny Hendricks.


The bout will be contested at light heavyweight.


Sonnen (29-13-1) carries the momentum of his first-round light heavyweight submission of Mauricio "Shogun" Rua into the bout. Coming off back-to-back losses to Jon Jones and Anderson Silva, Sonnen had talked about returning to middleweight prior to defeating Rua on Aug. 17, but the Evans fight means he's hanging around at 205 at least a little longer.


Evans (18-3-1), too, is looking to rebuild momentum. After looking listless in a UFC 156 loss to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, the former champ scored a split-decision win over Dan Henderson at UFC 161.

Didn't even know this fight was being rumoured to be totally honest, was waiting on the development of Wandy/Chael. Both strong wrestlers but Rashad has much better hands, although he hasn't looked great in some time now. Even though it's being contested at LHW, I think Rashad should drop down to MW if he can beat Sonnen.

 

[Slim]

Evans has me scratching my head sometimes. If he wants to throw down... its pretty much a given he is going to take you out. He has the hands and he can kick. His takedowns are top notch and he is a real good quick and strong wrestler. But if he shows up like he did in the Little Nog fight its like... zzzzz nighty night Evans.

Sonnen... well I was hoping for the Wandy/Chael showdown but this will have to suffice. Should be a good fight either way cause Sonnen will push the action. Interested if Evans will talk any smack.

But Evans would be pretty interesting at middleweight. he won't have his same speed advantage but he would probably thrive in it cause he is far away from a title shot at LHW.

 

[Big Red Jericho Punk]

GSP & Sonnen on the same card? :dana: will approve of the buy rate going possibly 1 million.

I like this fight a lot, since these are both guys that will come in shape and ready to scrap. I'm still waiting to see Rashad show that killer instinct that he's been lacking for the past few years. Even though I wish he was fighting at 185, I still have some hope that he can do some big things at 205. Don't think he'll ever get a title shot again or until Jones leaves the division.

GSP-Hendricks, Sonnen-Evans, and Rory-Lawler man this card is crazy!

 

[Slim]

GSP & Sonnen on the same card? :dana: will approve of the buy rate going possibly 1 million.

I like this fight a lot, since these are both guys that will come in shape and ready to scrap. I'm still waiting to see Rashad show that killer instinct that he's been lacking for the past few years. Even though I wish he was fighting at 185, I still have some hope that he can do some big things at 205. Don't think he'll ever get a title shot again or until Jones leaves the division.

GSP-Hendricks, Sonnen-Evans, and Rory-Lawler man this card is crazy!

I'd say if he came out fighting like he did in the Tito fight... Sonnen wouldn't stand a chance. Shad came out blazing and vicious in that one.

 

[Deezy]

I have a feeling that Shad will not worry about Sonnens punching power and we see 08 beast mode Suga Rashad.

Guessing this means Rashad isn't in title contention anymore and is being thrown in the name fight division like Franklin, Wandy, Shogun, Cung Le and Hendo. Not a terrible spot to be in, atleast you don't have to worry about getting an L to some fighters whose career doesn't pan out.