Is this a sign of things to come?
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans has teased a drop to 185 pounds. Coincidentally, ex-Middleweight number one contender Chael Sonnen has been hinting at a trip up to the land of 205.
As Kenny Loggins once said, "Meet me halfway."
Aside from body types that may be suited for either weight class, both Evans and Sonnen share something else in common. Each fighter came up short in their quest for division gold their last time out, and have been effectively eliminated from their respective title races.
However ...
Both Evans and Sonnen have also established themselves as perhaps the two best fighters not named Jones and Silva at their current weights. So, in an effort to avoid the dreaded "gatekeeper" status, something that chased former Middleweight Champion Rich Franklin out of his division a few years back, it's a move that makes sense.
But it's also risky one.
From a career perspective, it could be damaging to lose to the champion, then leave the division and get toppled elsewhere, as well. But which fighter has more to lose? Perhaps a catchweight fight of 195 pounds would lessen the blow, but it's still risky business.
And a helluva good fight.
Time to look into your crystal ball, Maniacs, and talk this one out. Anyone think we'll ever see a future Evans vs. Sonnen fight? If and when they do eventually hook 'em up, how do you see the contest unfolding?
And would we see a finish?