5 Possible Opponents for Rashad Evans' Next Fight

Rashad Evans ended his two-fight skid at UFC 161 with a split-decision win over Dan Henderson.

Evans lost the first round of the fight but did enough in the final two rounds to earn him on two of the judge's scorecards. The win over No. 3-ranked Henderson vaults him back in to the shortlist of contenders.

Evans will still need at least one more win before challenging for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title, and the options for fights against contenders is not plentiful. However, there are some fun fights for Evans to take.

Here are five options for Evans' next bout.

Gegard Mousasi

No. 9-ranked Gegard Mousasi is thinking about dropping back to middleweight, and that would throw a wrench into the plan of having him face off with Evans.

If he stays at 205, this is one of the best fights to make.

Mousasi is ranked and unbeaten in his last seven outings. The winner between Mousasi and Evans would have a good argument for getting a title shot in short order.

More importantly, it is a fun matchup on paper. Both fighters are good finishers and are well-rounded.

Mousasi has taken on a top light heavyweight for some time, and this would be an excellent fight to solidify his UFC ranking. For Evans, it's a chance to pick up another win over a top-10 opponent.

Vitor Belfort

Vitor Belfort is currently the No. 2-ranked middleweight, but that doesn't make him an unrealistic option for Evans.

Following his victory over Michael Bisping, Belfort chose to call out Jon Jones for a rematch instead of Anderson Silva. The former UFC Light Heavyweight champion clearly has no qualms about going back up to 205 for a title run.

If that is what he wants, then fighting Evans makes a lot of sense.

Two explosive strikers could headline any card the UFC wanted. It would also make for a nice co-main event this fall when Jones defends his title against Alexander Gustafsson.

Ryan Bader

The least attractive possibility for Evans is Ryan Bader.

Bader is currently ranked No. 10 in the division, but he lacks the star power that would get the masses excited. However, if Evans wants a top-10 opponent, this may be his only option.

Bader was slated to fight Glover Teixeira at UFC 160, but he suffered an injury and had to be removed from the card.

The former Arizona State Sun Devil is ready for an elite opponent again, and Evans makes the most sense. It may not be the most attractive option from a marketing standpoint, but it is another top-10 matchup that could put Evans back as the top contender.

Winner of Shogun Rua vs. Chael Sonnen

Mauricio "Shogun" Rua and Chael Sonnen will meet in the main event of UFC on Fox Sports 1: 1. The winner of that fight in August makes a lot of sense for both Evans and the UFC.

Shogun is currently ranked No. 7 in the division. Both he and Sonnen are names that draw, and that makes each an enticing option for Evans.

No matter who wins that fight, each fighter will demand another marquee matchup. Both Shogun and Sonnen are veterans who will garner a top fight coming off a win. And a fight against Evans would thrill many fans.

A battle between Shogun and Evans seems like a long time coming. Both have been highly ranked in the division for a long time, but they have never crossed paths with one another. Sonnen can play the role of spoiler, but either fight would be good for Evans.

Glover Teixeira

The fight that makes the most sense is Rashad Evans vs. Glover Teixeira.

Teixeira is coming off a win at UFC 160 and is seeking a bout against a top-ranked light heavyweight. He is also currently ranked No. 4 in the division.

Although Lyoto Machida is ranked No. 1 in the division, the winner of Teixeira vs. Evans could see them leapfrog the Brazilian for a title shot with an impressive performance. Jon Jones dropping an unconscious Machida to the canvas works against the top-ranked light heavyweight.

Teixeira is clearly the best option. The timing seems right to make this fight happen. It just may make a good co-main event for UFC 165 where Jones will defend his strap.