Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans may be on the first two-fight skid of his nine-year career, but "Suga" wants to assure his supporters that he will be back better than ever.
After suffering an upset loss to Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 156: "Aldo vs. Edgar" earlier this month on Super Bowl Saturday, many fans were left wondering what happened to the 33-year-old. He was a huge betting favorite coming into the fight, but his performance didn't show anything to resemble it as his Brazilian opponent outpointed him en route to a unanimous decision win.
Evans (17-3-1) was extremely tentative going into the fight and his lack of aggression was surprising to most, especially considering the fact he was coming off a significant defeat to current UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and had a massive fight against Anderson Silva in his sights.
The Niagara Falls born fighter has been quiet in the weeks following just the third loss of his career; however, on Friday's (Feb. 22, 2013) UFC 157: "Rousey vs. Carmouche" weigh-in show, Evans served as an analyst and opened up on the fight for the first time.
His words:
"Wow, wow! I thought I was going to do the whole show without someone bringing up that ... why!?!?!? But, since you brought it up, it was a hard fight for me, one that I lost. It was a mental fight for me and I lost it mentally-speaking. I had a great training camp, but no matter how far you are -- and no matter how long you have been in this sport -- it happens and you have to make sure you are ready to fight on all levels. But, I'm going to be back! [points to camera]."
Evans said prior to UFC 156 that he had been mulling over the idea of retirement as of late, and while he may not have said exactly what he meant by losing the "mental fight," it seems likely that a lack of focus is what cost him a win.
The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) season 2 winner did not go into details regarding when he would like to get back into the Octagon, or any potential opponents, but he did enthusiastically assure fans he will be back in top form.