Rashad Evans has ‘already won,’ looks to ‘express himself’ at UFC Fight Night 114

Despite a UFC career that featured a light heavyweight championship and victories over notable legends like Chuck Liddell, Dan Henderson, Tito Ortiz, and Quinton Jackson, seasoned veteran Rashad Evans has a lot to prove later tonight (Sat., Aug. 5, 2017) at UFC Fight Night 114 live on FOX Sports 1 from inside Arena Ciudad de México in Mexico City, Mexico.

When Evans meets hard-hitting Sam Alvey on the main card he’ll be fighting against father time. The 37-year-old will try to prove he belongs at 185 pounds after making the move down from light heavyweight earlier this year and losing to middleweight Daniel Kelly in his divisional debut.

“I just need to go out there and believe,” Evans told MMAjunkie. “And most importantly, have fun.”

“It’s the hardest part because you’re constantly compared to what your results used to be,” Evans said. “For the longest time, I went undefeated. And that’s great. But in life and in your career, sometimes you hit those valleys. And it’s about making it past those things.

“And when you get stuck in one, or when you’re in one, don’t start second-guessing yourself. It’s a difficult process, and it’s easier said than done. But at the end of the day, as long as you stay with that belief inside, you’ll be OK.”

Evans hasn’t tasted victory inside of the Octagon since defeating Chael Sonnen via TKO back in 2013. That’s a long time ago, especially considering “Suga” has only managed to fight three times since then, but Evans is looking past winning and losing heading into UFC Fight Night 114.

“Here’s the reality: Who knows what life is going to bring?” Evans said. “I can wish for one thing, but life can have a totally different plan. All I know is that I’m very blessed to be here. All I know is that this dream came out of nowhere.

“And I’ve already won. I’ve already won just by being here. I’ve already won by being in the game for 15 years, so whatever’s to come is whatever’s to come. I’m just going to enjoy myself along the way.”

If Evans is able to get past Alvey later tonight then he has a real good chance at a top 15 opponent next time out. From there, Evans’ future is anyone’s guess. But as long as the former UFC champion is capable of fighting he’s going to do it.

“I’m a fighter. It’s inside of me,” Evans said. “Right now, this is what is my internal calling. In time, I’ll have a new vehicle to approach in my life and a new way to express myself. But right now, this is how I express myself. And I enjoy it.”

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC Fight Night 114 fight card, starting with the Fight Pass "Prelims" matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, and then the remaining undercard balance on FOX Sports 1 at 8 p.m. ET, before the main card start time at 10 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.