Official: Rashad Evans will be out for 6 months following surgery

Can't blame Daniel Cormier for not wanting to wait on Rashad Evans following the news that the former light heavyweight champion will be on the shelf for as long as six months following knee surgery. Initial reports stated that the UFC hoped to have Rashad back following four weeks of therapy. After a quick replacement was found (in Patrick Cummins) to face off against Cormier, rumors started to swirl that Evans' injury time table was going to be a lot longer than originally stated. Unfortunately those reports appear to be correct as his camp has released an official update on their website.

Boca Raton, FL, February 17, 2014 - On February 12, former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans injured his knee during a training session leading up to UFC 170. After consulting with his doctors, Rashad will undergo surgery this week with Dr. Kvitne in Los Angeles, California. Rashad's medical team expects him to be out of active training for 6 months.

Rashad Evans says, "I am deeply disappointed to be missing the action at UFC 170, but I am, as always, incredibly grateful for the support of my family, friends, management, the UFC, and most of all my fans during this minor setback. Thank you for your continued messages of support. I'll be back stronger than ever!"

It's a tough blow for the UFC's 2014 plans, which at this point have to hinge around keeping as many of their top draws as active as possible. With Rashad likely unable to train for the next six months it seems unlikely that he could fight more than once this year. Worse yet is the impact this could have on the light heavyweight division, which is somewhat starved for important fights and new challengers. People may not be clamoring for Evans to get another shot at the belt, but it's one less relevant potential matchup for other contenders looking to break out into the public eye.

We'll be sure to keep you updated with more news and reports as they come available, so stay tuned. And be sure to check back for breakdowns, analysis, and fight updates for UFC 170, coming this Saturday, February 22nd.

More from Bloody Elbow

Follow @BloodyElbow Follow @SBNation

• UFC Fight Night 38: Shogun vs. Henderson 2 fight card
• Watch Dana White's UFC 170 Video Blog Part 1
• UFC breaking American sports mold with cozy gambling relationship
• Bad Boy Presents Bloody Elbow Radio - Episode 320: Mike Richman, Anthony Gutierrez, Mick Maynard, UFC 170 Preview
• UFC 170 Ronda Rousey vs. Sara McMann: Pros Pick