Rashad Evans

was next scheduled to fight

Chuck Liddell

at UFC 85 as a replacement for the injured

Mauricio Rua

When Chuck Liddell also pulled out of the event due to an injured hamstring, Evans was matched with James Irvin. When Irvin pulled out after breaking his foot, the fight was removed from the card altogether.

This fight was then rescheduled for

UFC 88

where Evans knocked Liddell out. The finish came at 1:51 of the second round; Liddell had backed his opponent into the cage, but Evans flashed a jab that he followed quickly with a overhand right. At that moment, Liddell was throwing an uppercut. Evans’ punch landed first on Liddell’s chin Liddell was sent crashing to the canvas and the fight was stopped immediately by referee Herb Dean. Evans was awarded knockout of the night and a bonus of $60,000.

After the fight UFC President Dana White confirmed in the post-event press conference that Evans will get an immediate title shot against champion Forrest Griffin.

College career
One of eight children, Evans was a two-time All-State wrestler at Niagara-Wheatfield High School in Sanborn, New York.He was also a two-way player on the school’s football team, playing running back when on offense and safety on defense.

After graduating from high school in 1998, Evans went on to attend Niagara County Community College, where he continued his wrestling career, winning the National Junior College championship at 165 lb. (75 kg) in 2000. He then transferred to Michigan State University, competing in the 174 lb. (79 kg) weight class. He started at Michigan State for three years and amassed a 48-34 record during that time. Evans was also one of only four people to ever defeat wrestling legend Greg Jones. Since graduating from Michigan State and earning a degree in psychology, he has remained a resident of Lansing, Michigan. In 2005 he became an assistant coach for the Michigan State wrestling program.