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Thursday, Jan 26, 2012

Rashad Evans: Phil Davis Is “A Great Athlete, But Not A Fighter. He Has No Killer Instinct”

UFC Light Heavyweight Rashad Evans

By FCF Staff

The opening bell hasn’t rung yet, but former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans (16-1) is already out of the gates, swinging at his opponent Phil Davis (9-0).

“Davis is intimidated. I’ve seen him around and he’s not looking too confident,” said the 32-year-old Evans, who will face Davis, the 2008 NCAA Division I 197 pound limit wrestling champion for Penn State University, in the main event of UFC on FOX 2 on Saturday.  “He’s not ready for this level, and he knows it. He’s coming to put up a good show, go back down a level, and come back again in a year or two. He’s not coming to take it to me, but I am gonna’ take it to him.”

Despite Davis’ undeniable athletic ability and accomplishments on the wrestling mat that he has backed up thus far in the cage by winning his first nine pro fights, Evans, the winner of Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter season 2 at heavyweight, said he doesn’t believe Davis is a true fighter, capable of competing at MMA’s highest level.

“Phil is just a nice guy. He’s not a fighter. He’s an athlete, a great athlete, but not a fighter,” said Evans. “He has no killer instinct for this and he’s got no experience at this level. He’s never fought at heavyweight like I had to (in TUF 2) to get into the UFC. He didn’t get punched by Chuck Liddell and Rampage Jackson like I did. He’s not had to dig deep at all.”

UFC on FOX 2: Evans vs. Davis will take place before a capacity crowd at United Center in Chicago on Saturday.  The three-fight main card will air live on FOX at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.

posted by FCF Staff @ 11:22 am
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