There was a time when Rashad Evans was considered nothing more than a one-dimensional wrestler.
Sure, there are quite a few folks that would probably still try to make such a claim today, using dreaded and outdated terms like lay-n-pray, despite ample evidence to the contrary.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) is most definitely a "what have you done for me lately" kind of sport and "Suga's" last two fights (both decisions) haven't left much faith in Evans ability to finish fights.
But, of course, to say such a thing would be to ignore the instances in which he has explosively ended the night for four helpless victims. And when I say explosively, I mean it.
The focus of today's video showcases such an occurrence.
Evans had struggled a bit since winning The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 2, earning split and majority decision wins over Sam Hoger and Stephan Bonnar, respectively. A knockout from full mount quelled fears that Rashad was destined for mediocrity but his star turned happened just four months later.
Salmon was a newcomer and a solid wrestler, which he used to win the opening round. However, ringside commentator noted that he felt Evans was going to win by landing a head kick, something he had never done before in his four previous fights inside the Octagon.
Then, just over one minute into the second frame, Evans destroyed Salmon exactly the way "The Natural" had predicted he would. How's that for the first head kick he ever landed in the UFC?
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