Khabib’s Eagle FC Brings Rashad Evans Out of Retirement

It"s Been Awhile

‘Suga’ Rashad Evans has been retired since June 2018. That will change on Jan. 28 when Evans steps back into the cage for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s Eagle FC. The promotion will be making its U.S. debut in Miami, FL. where Evans is expected to compete at light heavyweight, though no opponent was named when Yahoo Sports! was first to report the news.

Evans (19-8-1) last fought at UFC 225 against Anthony Smith. He lost the bout via knockout 53-seconds into the first round. The loss was his fifth straight going back to October 2015. Two weeks after his loss to Smith, Evans announced his retirement from the sport.

A History of Violence

Evans was the season two winner of "The Ultimate Fighter" in 2005. He became the UFC light heavyweight champion three years later, besting Forrest Griffin at UFC 92. Five months later, he would lose the title to Lyoto Machida in his first title defense. Evans bounced back, winning four straight to earn another shot at the title, this time held by Jon Jones. Evans lost the fight via unanimous decision and would finish out his UFC career going 2-7 between 2012 and 2018. 

Since his retirement, Evans has worked as an analyst for UFC events in recent years. Open about his desire to fight again, Evans sought a boxing match against YouTuber Logan Paul or against boxing legend Roy Jones Jr. Neither came to fruition. Now Evans steps back into the MMA world for Eagle FC this winter. 

A Fight Card Comes Together

Eagle FC also announced its main event for their debut. Former UFC title challenger Antonio "Big Foot" Silva will take on accomplished combat sports athlete Tyrone Spong. Silva (19-13) has lost his last six MMA appearances. Spong has not competed in MMA since 2012 under the World Series of Fighting banner. He was 2-0 in his MMA career. Currently, Spong is the WBC Latino Heavyweight Champion and the WBO Latino Heavyweight Champion in boxing. ESPN was the first to report the heavyweight main event.

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