As expected, reigning light heavyweight king Jon Jones (Pictured) will defend his crown against Rashad Evans at UFC 145. The organization previously reported Jones’ participation in the April 21st event last month, however didn’t confirm his opponent until Monday evening.
During Jones’ 2011 campaign, he trounced four opponents, three of which were former title holders, en route to becoming the youngest champion in UFC history. It was arguably the most masterful year mixed martial arts had ever witnessed.
Evans solidified his top contender status by steamrolling Phil Davis at “UFC on FOX 2.” The 32-year-old has rattled off four consecutive wins since losing the title to Lyoto Machida in May 2009.
This grudge match has been a long time coming for the former teammates. A hand injury suffered by Jones nixed their initial encounter at UFC 133, then Evans had his right hand surgically-repaired last fall and couldn’t answer the bell for UFC 140.
The friends-turned-foes have exchanged plenty of insults over the past year and both are anxious to put each other in their rear-view mirrors.
Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia hosts the festivities.
Here are the athletes slated to appear in the ATL:
Keith Wisniewski vs. Chris Clements
Maximo Blanco vs. Marcus Brimage
Mac Danzig vs. Efrain Escudero
Anthony Njokuani vs. John Makdessi
Matt Wiman vs. Mark Bocek
Ben Rothwell vs. Brendan Schaub
Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald
Mark Hominick vs. Eddie Yagin
Travis Browne vs. Chad Griggs
Rory MacDonald vs. Che Mills
Rashad Evans vs. Jon Jones (UFC Light Heavyweight Champion)
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