Date of Birth:
Evans was born on September 25, 1979, in Niagara Falls, New York.Training Camp/Organization:
Rashad Evans trains at Greg Jackson's Submission Fighting in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He fights for the UFC.Life Before MMA:
Evans was one of eight children. As a high school student, he stood out as a two-time All-State wrestler at Niagara-Wheatfield High School and a two-way player on his high school football team (running back and safety). Upon graduation, he entered Niagara County Community College and managed to win the National Junior College wrestling championship at 165 pounds in 2000. From there, Evans transferred to Michigan State University where he posted a record of 48-34 as a three year starter and graduated with a degree in psychology.In 2005, Evans became an assistant wrestling coach with the Spartans.
His Hero:
Evans has noted on his MySpace page that his mother is his hero.Early MMA Career:
Working under UFC Hall of Fame fighter Dan Severn, Evans won his first fight against Dennis Reed by anaconda choke on April 10, 2004. He then went on to win four more fights before being picked to participate on TUF 2.Martial Arts Background:
Evans has an outstanding wrestling background. Further, he's a very explosive athlete, which has served him well in the Octagon as well as outside of it when attempting to learn the other phases of the game. Though his submission skills are not necessarily a strength, over time his stand up game has become quite good due to some strong boxing skills and excellent power. Evans also has excellent submission defense.Fighting Style:
Initially, Evans was primarily known for his ground and pound skills. He is very good at taking opponents to the ground, improving his position there, and battering them with strikes. However, Evans has also become a very good stand up fighter, rarely getting hit and managing to land powerful blows on some of the better strikers in the game.Personal Life:
Evans married his wife LaToya in 2007. They have a son, Rashad Jr, and a daughter, Nia, together. Evans also has a daughter, Tahja, from a prior relationship.Interestingly, fighting seems to run in his family. Along with this, Evans' brother Lance is also an MMA fighter.
Some of Evans' Biggest Victories:
- Evans defeats Brad Imes by way of split decision at The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale on 11/5/05: This was a stand up war. Both fighters found themselves in trouble. Both proved to have a good jaw and endurable spirit. But in the end, Evans hit faster and more often and that was the difference in the fight. With the win, Evans was named TUF 2 Heavyweight Champion. Afterwards, he dropped down to the light heavyweight division, a weight class more appropriate for his size.
- Evans defeats Chuck Liddell by second round KO at UFC 88: Liddell, one of the most popular UFC fighters of all-time, looked good in the first round on his feet. But in the second, Evans found his range. Along with this, he connected with a vicious right hand that left Liddell out cold.
- Evans defeats Forrest Griffin by third round TKO at UFC 92: Griffin connected through the first two rounds with excellent low kicks and sharp punches that gave him the lead. But during the third stanza, Evans took Griffin down and literally pounded his way to a TKO win, leaving him with the UFC Light Heavyweight championship belt.
