Evans (photo via FUEL. TV.)

By FCF Staff

Following Chael Sonnen’s impressive win over “Shogun” Rua at UFC Fight Night 26, most people expected to see “The American Gangster” fight Wanderlei Silva next. Since the latter is unable to fight before the year is out, however, the UFC eventually booked Sonnen to fight his fellow FOX commentator Rashad Evans at UFC 167. Although it’s not a fight that a lot of people predicted, it does feature two well accomplished veterans with strong wrestling bases.

Recently Sonnen and Evans discussed their upcoming, November 16th fight on “UFC Tonight“, and here’s some of what the two had to say about the bout.

UFC light heavyweight Rashad Evans on if it’s awkward fighting his friend Chael Sonnen at UFC 167: “It’s not awkward. I’ve fought a friend before when I faced Jon Jones, but this is totally different. I compartmentalize it. This is one step back to getting the belt. Chael is a great competitor. I want to show people that I deserve to be in the number-one contender spot.”

Sonnen to Evans about compartmentalizing his emotions: “Did you just say compartmentalize? That’s a big word for a Spartan from Michigan State. Can you spell it for us?”

Evans on his motivation to win the fight: “For me, my motivation is, I can’t lose this fight. I can’t listen to Chael get one line zingers in on me from here on out. I’ve got to win this fight.”

Evans on what advantages he has over Sonnen: “I think I have the speed advantage. I’m better wrestler than Chael. He’s more persistent in his attack and brings the pressure.”

Sonnen on fighting Evans: “The great Rashad Evans deserves to be more than an appetizer before I destroy Wanderlei Silva.”

Sonnen on his advantages over Evans: “I think that Rashad is in good shape. But in 15 minutes, I can keep up with him. This is a very close fight that comes down to who fights better on that evening.”

UFC 167 will be hosted by the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, and will feature welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre taking on Johny Hendricks in the main event.