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Rashad Evans issues statement on decision to book Jon Jones vs Lyoto Machida at UFC 140

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 28: UFC fighter Rashad Evans (R) reacts to the crowd while speaking to UFC announcer Joe Rogan (L) about his fight against UFC fighter Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 114: Rampage versus Rashad at the Mandalay Bay Hotel on May 28, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

You mad?

One might think Rashad Evans would be after news dropped today that his light heavyweight title shot, along with his grudge match, against Jon Jones went up in smoke.

And even worse, the one man that knocked him out cold, Lyoto Machida, would be taking his place at UFC 140 on Dec. 10 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

However, in a statement released today, "Suga" takes the complete opposite track and, in fact, says he's not upset at all. Injuries are an unfortunate part of the fight game and he knows that better than anyone.

It's because of that -- and his business savvy -- that he understands why the UFC made the decision to pass him up yet again. Here's what he had to say:

"After my last fight against Tito Ortiz, I dislocated my right thumb, which required it to be set back in place and held with pins. 24 hours ago, my physician removed the pins. At that time, I learned that it would require another three weeks of rehabilitation before engaging in any exercise or training that would require the use of my hand. Dana White and I spoke earlier today, and I fully understand his decision to put Machida against Jones for the title at UFC 140. Given the rehabilitation time I require for my dislocated thumb, I would not be 100 percent ready by December 10. The UFC has to keep making fights that entertain the fans. I would have done the same thing as Dana in his position. I'm asking for the fans to support me as I rehabilitate my hand, and I promise I will be back fighting very quickly."

Should the UFC have waited an additional three weeks to make the big money grudge match between Jones and Evans? Or did they make the right call inserting Machida and letting him take his best shot?

Opinions, please.

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

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