Ep 2. Light Heavyweight bout: Rashad Evans vs. Phil Davis
- January 28, 2012
In the second episode of the first season of UFC on FOX, two titans of the Light Heavyweight division square off in the Octagon as Rashad Evans takes on Phil Davis. Both fighters are known for their grappling abilities and Evans, a former champion, will look to regain his place amongst the top contenders in the division with a win over the up-and-coming Davis.
Davis, a former NCAA Division 1 wrestler, has quickly climbed the ranks of the Light Heavyweight division with his impressive grappling and striking skills. In his last fight, he defeated Antonio Rogerio Nogueira with a unanimous decision victory, showing off his dominant wrestling and ground-and-pound. Davis is known for his ability to control the fight with his takedowns and if he can neutralize Evans's striking game, he will surely have the upper hand in this bout.
Evans, on the other hand, is coming off a victory over Tito Ortiz in his last fight and is looking to build on that momentum. The former champ will look to use his striking skills to keep Davis at bay and avoid getting taken down to the mat. Evans is known for his knockout power and if he can land a clean shot on Davis, he could easily end the fight.
Both fighters have a lot at stake in this matchup. A win for Davis could catapult him into title contention while a win for Evans could put him back in the mix for a shot at the title. The Light Heavyweight division is one of the most stacked divisions in the UFC and this fight is sure to have major implications for the future of the division.
As the fighters make their way to the Octagon, tensions are high and the crowd is on their feet. The referee gives the fighters their instructions and the bell rings, signaling the start of the first round.
Davis immediately takes the center of the Octagon, looking to establish his gameplan. Evans, however, is content to circle around the outside, looking for an opening to strike. The first few minutes of the round are spent with both fighters feeling each other out, neither wanting to make the first mistake.
As the round progresses, Davis starts to implement his gameplan, taking Evans down to the mat and looking to work his ground-and-pound. Evans, however, is able to weather the storm and get back to his feet, landing a few strikes in the process.
The rest of the round is spent with both fighters trading blows and jockeying for position. Davis, with his wrestling background, is able to control the fight in the clinch and against the cage, while Evans looks to use his striking skills to land a knockout blow.
As the round comes to a close, both fighters are still standing and the crowd is on their feet. The first round was a close one and it's anyone's game going into the second.
The second round begins much like the first, with both fighters hesitant to make the first move. However, as the round progresses, Evans starts to find his rhythm, landing several strikes that rock Davis.
Davis, however, is able to weather the storm and take Evans down to the mat once again. This time, however, he is able to maintain control, working his ground-and-pound and looking for a submission.
Evans, with his back against the mat, is in a tough spot. Davis is relentless with his attacks, looking to finish the fight. However, Evans is able to hold on and get back to his feet.
The rest of the round is spent with both fighters trading blows and once again, it's a close one. The crowd is on their feet as the third and final round approaches.
The third round begins with both fighters knowing that this is their chance to seal the victory. Davis looks to take Evans down early on, but Evans is able to defend the takedown.
The rest of the round is spent with both fighters trading blows, looking for an opening to land a knockout blow. As the final seconds tick away, both fighters are exhausted but still pushing forward.
When the final bell rings, both fighters embrace in a show of sportsmanship and respect. It was a hard-fought battle and it's anyone's guess as to who came out on top.
As the judges' scores are read, the tension in the arena is palpable. When the final decision is announced, the winner is...well, you'll have to watch to find out.