Evans (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

After initial reports said Rashad Evans would only need a month or so to recover from the knee injury that pulled him from UFC 170, comes word that the fighter may need surgery after all.

According to multiple reports, UFC President Dana White relayed at a media luncheon Thursday that Evans injury is more serious than thought. As a result, the 34 year-old fighter will likely undergo surgery and will be sidelined for several months.

Evans (19-3-1) was scheduled to fight Daniel Cormier on February 22nd, but injured the knee while training just a few days ago.

The former light-heavyweight champ was coming off back-to-back wins over Chael Sonnen and Dan Henderson, after being decisioned by Antonio Rogerio Nogueira last February.

UFC newcomer Patrick Cummins has agreed to step in on short notice and fight Cormier.