Rashad Evans talks light heavyweight return: ‘I’m hungry, I’m desperate, and I’m ready for whoever’

After a short stint in the UFC’s growing middleweight division, former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans is taking his business back up to 205 pounds where he became champion back in 2008.

At 38 years of age, Evans has experienced a drastic downfall in his career. The New York native has lost four in a row (a career worst), including two split-decision losses to unranked middleweights Daniel Kelly and Sam Alvey, and hasn’t captured Octagon victory since finishing Chael Sonnen back in 2013.

Needless to say, Evans is desperate to get back into the column. And at this point in his career, it really doesn’t matter who the promotion throws in front of him, as long as “Suga” can regain some of his old dominance.

“I really don’t know, to be honest,” Evans said to MMAjunkie Radio when asked about a potential opponent for his return to 205 pounds. “I’m moving back up to (light heavyweight), I’m on a four-fight losing streak, and I’m looking to bounce back in a big way. I have to bounce back in a big way. …

“I don’t know who that person is going to be, but truthfully speaking, after what I’ve been through the last few years, it really doesn’t even matter to me anymore. I just want to go back and get back to my winning ways more than anything.

“I’m hungry, I’m desperate, and I’m ready for whoever.”

At this stage in Evans’ career it’s safe to say that the former UFC champion will probably never fight for a title again. But considering the track record Evans has left behind, it’s only right that he gets a chance to rewrite the later chapters of his career in a division he once ruled.

While the veteran currently has no fight in place, UFC could opt to throw him in with the sharks against a guy like Jimi Manuwa to see what Evans has left at light heavyweight. But if the promotion wants to go with a more nostalgic pairing, they could pin “Suga” against the likes of a Mauricio Rua.