Will The Iceman Give Rashad Evans His First Loss?

Hello, MMA fans and fighters! I am Balistik and this is MMA ALL THE WAY!. Today's topic for discussion is the main event of UFC 88: Breakthrough. Former light heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell will take on TUF 2 winner, the undefeated Rashad Evans. Let's get to it.

This fight is going to be an interesting one for both fighters.  Evans is a very good wrestler. With the exception of the TUF 2 finale, Rashad has been able to take his opponent down in every fight that he has been in.

Chuck, on the other hand, has a wrestling sprawl that is legendary. His ability to keep the fight on his feet is second to none.

Both fighters are in a position that means a win would result in title contention. Both are coming off impressive performances: Liddell over my mentor Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79 and Rashad over Michael Bisping at UFC 78.

What separates the fighters is that Liddell is known to finish his fights in spectacular fashion. Evans has been known to take the fight to the distance, winning through judges' decisions.

Of the seven fights that Evans has been in, he has finished just two. Knocking out a knockout master in Chuck would be a huge step for Evans. The key for Evans is to get inside and take Liddell down and try to ground and pound on Liddell.

For Chuck, this fight could bring him one step closer to regaining his title after losing it to Rampage Jackson.

I do not think that Evans should try to out-strike Liddell or he will pay. The problem for Evans is if he does take Liddell down he has to keep him down. Liddell does not mind taking a few shots in order to get to his feet.

Evans should take advantage of this. Pound on Chuck as he tries to take the fight to feet. If Rashad fails at this, it will be a long night for Sugar. I see this fight going no longer than the second, with Chuck getting the win through referee stoppage. I say it is a little too early for Rashad to take on the elite, but who knows?

Every fighter has a puncher's chance, especially The Iceman. Plus, I would love to see Forrest versus Chuck! That would be nice. Teacher versus the former student.

Well, those are my thoughts. Now I'd like to hear yours. Do you think Rashad Evans has what it takes to cool off The Iceman? Or will Chuck get back on the road to the title?

Until then, this is Balistik signing out.

Peace Out.

MMA ALL THE WAY!