Rashad Evans Belt On the Line This Summer

MMA fans now have a bit more clarity regarding the UFC light heavyweight title picture.

At the UFC 96 pre-fight press conference today, UFC President Dana White said that current champion Rashad Evans’ title would be on the line sometime this summer.

White stated that Quinton Jackson will get a shot at regaining this title if he can defeat Keith Jardine this Saturday night. If Jardine is victorious at UFC 96, the summer title shot would instead be given to Lyoto Machida.

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“Very important fight for both of these guys,” White said. “Ever since Quinton’s 'episode' he’s been back on track, looked amazing in his last fight, he wants the title back, obviously. He wins this fight, Saturday he gets the next title shot.”

“Keith Jardine, a win for him will move him up in the ranks, he’ll eventually have to fight Rashad Evans. If Rashad Evans keeps winning and he keeps winning, he says they won’t but I guarantee you they will.”

White stressed the importance of title fights and the opportunity that goes along with being the 205lb champion in the UFC, and he believes that when push comes to shove, Jardine and Evans will fight.

[Source: MMAWeekly.com]

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This clears up any uncertainty about the No. 1 contender status in the division. Somewhat good news for Lyoto Machida as it appears he is no No. 2, right behind Quinton Jackson.

It will be interesting to see what will happen if Jardine defeats “Rampage,” and Evans’ defeats Machida this summer.

Will the two training partners actually square off even though they both have consistently denied they would ever fight?