The co-main event of UFC 167 saw Rashad Evans (18-3-1) returning to form with a dominant first round TKO victory over Chael Sonnen (28-13-1). Evans is now on a two-fight winning streak and now 6-2 since losing the Light Heavyweight title in 2009. Sonnen fell to 1-2 since returning to the 205 lb. division earlier this year to challenge for the title.
The short fight was all Rashad. After a short battle in the clinch, Evans secured the takedown. He quickly gained dominant position and started unleashing a ground and pound fury. Sonnen went into full defensive mode trying to cover his head from the strikes, but the referee stepped in to stop the fight at 4:05 of the first round.
What was the high point of the fight?
Everything after the takedown from Rashad. He looked completely dominant and like the fighter he was at his best.
Where do they go from here?
Evans is in a tough spot. He just beat another ranked Light Heavyweight and in many cases, that would put him in contendership talks. But, no one wants to see a rematch between him and Jon Jones just yet. I’d like to see him face Daniel Cormier, who’s expected to debut in the division in his next fight.
Sonnen’s path is already clear. He’s going to coach opposite Wanderlei Silva in the next season of TUF: Brazil and fight him at 205 lbs. after. He said in the post fight presser that he intends to drop back to Middleweight following that fight. The landscape of the 185 lb. division is too precarious to say who he’ll face if and when he cuts down again.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Watch it now, especially if you’re an Evans fan. He absolutely dominated here and his performance deserves recognition.