American · Niagara Falls, New York, USA · Born 25 September 1979Rashad Evans, a former NCAA Division I wrestler, won TUF 2 and later captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Forrest Griffin in 2008.
Born in Niagara Falls, New York, Rashad Evans made his UFC debut in 2005 as a heavyweight contestant on the second season of The Ultimate Fighter, becoming the first African American to win the show. He remained undefeated through his first 18 professional bouts. At UFC 92 in December 2008, Evans challenged Forrest Griffin for the Light Heavyweight Championship. After a competitive opening two rounds, Evans rallied in the third, dropping Griffin with a straight right and finishing him with ground strikes to become champion. He surrendered the title in his first defense attempt, losing to then-undefeated Lyoto Machida six months later. Despite not regaining the belt, Evans remained one of the sport's biggest stars through pay-per-view headlining wins over former champions Chuck Liddell and Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson. His career also included a highly anticipated bout with Jon Jones, his former training partner, at UFC 145. Evans retired in 2018 after a 14-year professional career and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019. He has remained closely involved in the sport as a UFC analyst and mentor to active fighters, including former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman.
Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion; TUF 2 winner
How They Played
Explosive wrestler with sharp boxing and one-punch power
Lasting Impact
A pioneering figure in the sport's diversity and one of its biggest stars of the late 2000s
Career Honours
- UFC Light Heavyweight Champion 2008-2009
- TUF 2 Heavyweight Tournament Winner
- UFC Hall of Fame, Modern wing, 2019
American Athletes