UFC's Rashad Evans explains refusal to fight Glover Teixeira at UFC 153

Former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Rashad Evans mentioned on Fuel TV that he had declined a bout offer to face the formidable but virtually unknown Glover Teixeira at UFC 153. After some pushback from disappointed fans, Evans felt he needed to take to Twitter to explain his decision.

First tweet:

@SugaRashadEvans I will fight anybody with the proper notice.. But after 8yrs with the UFC & being one of their top earners. Y would I take a bad fight?!

Second tweet:

‏@SugaRashadEvans Bad fight meaning not being in shape. Losing is hard enough but I will never serve myself up! If I'm haven't been training I won't fight!

Third tweet:

@SugaRashadEvans I know alot of u fans may not realize but I don't walk around ready 2 fight. No one does. In this sport it takes at least 8wks 2 b ready!

Fourth tweet:

@SugaRashadEvans Fighting another person is much harder than most ppl think & if im not training it takes time 2 get ready. There r no easy fights!

Evans is not the only fighter to want no part of Teixeira. The Chuck Liddell and Marco Ruas trained fighter has been unable to book bouts with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Stephan Bonnar. Teixeira was set to face Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 153 but Fabio Maldonado was the only one willing to step up when Jackson got hurt and pulled out of the fight.

Latest From Our Partners

• 99 Best Fighters in MMA (BR)
• Fights We Never Wish Happened (BR)
• Weaknesses for Biggest Stars (BR)
• Ballsiest Fighters in MMA (BR)
• Big Picture Issues Facing UFC (BR)