Las Vegas Weekly

May 22, 2009 · 9:28 AM

Rashad Evans and Lyoto Machida are set to battle in UFC 98 at MGM Grand

By Robin Leach

Rashad Evans defeats Forrest Griffin for the Light Heavyweight title.

Photo: Justin M. Bowen

Injuries caused the postponement of the UFC battle between local hero Frank Mir and giant former wrestler Brock Lesnar scheduled for this Memorial Day weekend. Instead, there’ll be just as striking a showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in the most talent-rich weight class of all mixed martial arts where every bout becomes a super-fight.

Never beaten current champion “Sugar” Rashad Evans will defend his crown for the first time against fellow unbeaten Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida in the main event of UFC 98.

“With 32 wins and no losses between them, this may end up being one of the most memorable UFC title fights of all time,” 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. The winner of this one is truly the best 205-pound champion on the planet.”

Their battle replaces the originally scheduled heavyweight championship bout between Frank and Brock, which has been postponed due to injury. Current top contender Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, who will undergo arthroscopic surgery to repair ligament damage in his jaw, will face the winner of the Rashad-Lyoto bout on a date yet to be determined.

In the UFC 98 co-feature, former UFC welterweight champions Matt Hughes and Matt “The Terror” Serra finally meet in one of the most highly anticipated grudge matches. This has been a feud years in the making and one that escalated during the two 170-pound standouts’ stints as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter. Now they fight to settle the score.

One of the rare unbeaten fighters at the elite level of the game, Rashad (18-0-1) has achieved this remarkable feat with a mix of precision striking, world-class wrestling and an unyielding will to win. A native of Niagara Falls, N.Y., the 29-year-old is just approaching his prime with knockout wins over Chuck Liddell and Forrest Griffin, the latter earning him the UFC light heavyweight title last December.

“This is my time to shine,” Evans said. “I worked hard to get this title, and I’m not about to give it up now. I’ve got a lot of respect for Machida and I know we’re going to give the fans a great fight, but I also know that he’s going to bring out the best of me on Saturday night, and that’s going to be a sight to see.”

A black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Shotokan Karate who owns one of the most unique styles in mixed martial arts today, Brazil’s Lyoto (14-0) has chalked up wins over fighters including B.J. Penn and Tito Ortiz. In his last bout Jan. 31, the 30-year-old Machida knocked out Thiago Silva.

“I’m excited to fight Rashad. He’s a very tough opponent, and this is the biggest fight of my life,” Machida said. “This has been a long road, and I’m going to give this fight my everything. I’m honored to be part of UFC history. This is something I’ve dreamed about, and it’s finally coming true. I’m fighting to become the UFC light heavyweight champion.”

Robin Leach has been a journalist for more than 50 years and has spent the past decade giving readers the inside scoop on Las Vegas, the world’s premier platinum playground.

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