Tonight marked the return of Rashad Evans to the Octagon after nearly a 2 year absence due to multiple knee injuries (and subsequent surgeries). Welcoming the former champion back was Ryan Bader, winner of his last 4 bouts and on the cusp of a title shot after he felt he was denied one against Daniel Cormier. There were high stakes for both men in Houston at the top 5 of the 205 lbs division.
Bader's striking looked on point early, connecting on two right hands and then a left kick to the body. Evans stuffed a takedown attempt but then ate a quick jab and then another one seconds later. Ryan's jab was crisp and his right hand was finding a home. Evans got going with a right of his own. A good combination by Rashad backed Bader up. An overhand right tagged Bader but not flush.
Round 2 began with a right hand and then a left hook, then later a side kick to the body. Ryan then went for and completed a takedown. Rashad returned to his feet only to get put back down. He only held him down momentarily and then they resumed in the clinch. Back to striking they went and Bader continued to outstrike Rashad, who was far too content to go for the big KO shot. When Rashad did catch Bader with a big punch, Bader responded with two of his own. Bader stuffed a takedown attempt to complete the round.
Evans' right eye was cut considerably from the previous round. Bader capitalized in the opening minute with a left hook. He burst forward with a two-punch combination. Evans kept moving forward but wasn't doing much in the way of actual strike landing. Bader scored with an elbow on the break and then slammed home a lovely body kick with 2 minutes to go. "Darth" landed another right elbow in the clinch and the UFC graphic showed he was outlanding Rashad by a 2-to-1 ratio. Evans absorbed a right and a jab. A high kick by Rashad caught the shoulder of Bader but nothing more. Bader completed his 3rd takedown of the fight with under 30 seconds left. Evans went back to his feet, looked for the KO blow, but to no avail, and the fight ended with Bader going for a single leg.
Official result: Ryan Bader (21-4) def. Rashad Evans (24-4-1) via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)