When Rashad Evans returns, as he projected, in fall 2015, it will be close to 730 days since he was last seen in the Octagon.
The former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight titleholder has been hindered by a lingering knee injury since pummeling Chael Sonnen at UFC 167. Evans, who will turn 36 in September, was forced out of two potential bouts with Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson in 2014.
"Suga", though, has since kept himself busy, coaching at the Blackzilians camp and filming the latest installment of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). Evans has also continued to work in front of the camera as part of the FOX Sports UFC coverage.
He currently sits in fourth place for most wins in 205-pound division history, anguishing on the sidelines while fending off the ghost of retirement, Evans has seen teammates Anthony Johnson and Vitor Belfort earn top contender status.
Evans recently checked in with MMAmania in the interview below, discussing his time as a broadcaster, Top 5-ranked Lightweight and teammate Michael Johnson and what's going on with his rehabilitation.
How have you kept your mind right through the second long layoff of your career?
Rashad: You know, it's been diving into projects. I work on FOX, doing things like that to keep my mind off of it. It's tough to be off like this. I hate it. I hate being off this long. Everything happens for a reason and I'm just keeping myself busy and staying as sharp as I can until it's my time to get back in there.
Have you reached out to anyone in MMA, or in your camp, to get you through this point?
Rashad: I've talked to GSP [Georges St-Pierre] about it. He's been through two ACL replacements. We talk a lot about training and rehab. I've talked to Muhammad Lawal. He's been through it a lot. We've talked about the same thing. I've reached out to people just because it's tough. I've also reached out to Dominick Cruz -- he's had worse luck than I did and we've traded secrets on what we can do.
How have these TUF shows and your broadcasting role prepared you for life after UFC?
Rashad: It helped a lot. Speaking in front of cameras, you know, learning the whole production and everything else like that. I've never taken any broadcast [class] or anything like that. It helped me -- because when I first starting doing the whole analyst work -- I started with ESPN back in the day when it was just -- before Chael [Sonnen] was even on there -- it was a while ago. I want to say it was in 2008 or 2007.
So you're a veteran of both worlds?
Rashad: Yeah, yeah. It's been something that I kind of had a natural talent to and worked with some of these really good producers to kind of help me mold it.
What are your thoughts on teammate and TUF 12 alum Michael Johnson and where he goes at 155 pounds?
Rashad: I think Michael is in a really good position. He has Benson Henderson next. I think that's a step in the right direction. Michael Johnson to me is definitely a contender and can hang with the best. I'm just glad that he's finally starting to grow into that. I've been with Michael since we first started the Blackzilians and just to watch him develop as a fighter and a person has been tremendous. I think the sky is the limit for Michael.
Rashad: Rehab has been going good. I've just been staying at it. The hard thing is when you travel a lot, it's just staying at it and making sure you do something every single day -- even if it's not what you typically do because you don't want to have any setbacks. You don't want to get weaker. I've just been diligent about doing something every single day and getting my drills in. I feel like everything is going smooth and I'm not doing anything to rush it. I'm also working on other areas where I can get better at.
Fighters Only magazine reported that you may potentially be tapped to coach opposite Rampage again on TUF. Is there any truth to that?
Rashad: This is my first time hearing about it. It would be fun to do, but I guess Rampage has contract issues he needs to workout.
When we finally see Rashad in the Octagon again what can we expect? Can you still contend for a title?
Rashad: Well, hopefully you'll be able to see all the hard work I've put in. I hope to see it payoff. I've been really restructuring my gameplan from my movement to my striking. Overall, just a more cerebral approach to fighting. I still want to be a contender. I don't see any reason why. For me, I can't just compete to compete. I do love competing and I've missed it these past couple of years, but I want to return and be the best.
Will the Blackzilians take home two titles at UFC 187?
Rashad: I definitely think so. I mean you've got, AJ, who hits like an ox. [He's] the hardest puncher I've ever trained with, by far. Then, you've got Vitor Belfort. Vitor has been training well over a year now since he was supposed to fight last year for the title. He's just been building his body and training and getting stronger, working on areas where he wasn't as strong before. I definitely think Vitor is going to walk away with the belt. I think that [Chris] Weidman may be underestimating him a little bit.