Phil Davis vs. Rashad Evans: An Early Head-to-Toe Breakdown

Injuries and ailments have plagued former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion “Suga” Rashad Evans on his long road back to the Octagon.

Waiting almost a year for his shot to reclaim the belt against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, a knee injury forced Evans off of the card and led to the rise of former training partner Jon Jones, who decisively beat down Shogun at UFC 128 en route to being crowned the youngest champion in UFC history.

Looking to settle some bad blood with his ex-teammate, Jones suffered a hand injury, delaying Evans’ title shot once again.

With the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion sidelined for the foreseeable future, rising star Phil Davis has stepped up to take his place at UFC 133. Both fighters, known for their superb wrestling pedigrees, are looking to make a mark on the light heavyweight division, seeking a chance to fight for UFC gold.

Striking

Having five career knockout victories on his résumé, Rashad Evans has proven himself dangerous in the stand-up department.

Owning KO wins over former champions Chuck Lidell and Forrest Griffin, Evans' boxing not only won him Fight of the Night and Knockout of the Year honors, it also lead to his claiming of the belt at UFC 92.    

Although constantly improving as a fighter, the 26-year old-Davis has had problems against high-caliber strikers. Despite pulling off the unanimous decision victory, Antônio Rogério Nogueira exposed the hole in Davis' game back in March, getting a few good shots in on the young fighter.

Davis has a long way to go before his striking game is as crisp as his wrestling skills.

Advantage: Evans

Submissions

Only a blue belt in Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, "Mr. Wonderful" has shown some impressive submission skills inside the Octagon.

With two of his five UFC victories coming by way of tapout, Davis pulled off an amazing modified kimura against Tim Boestch at UFC 123, with fans dubbing the move the "Philmura." Combined with his NCAA All-American wrestling skills, Davis is a huge threat on the ground.

Although little has been seen of Evans submission game, he does pose a threat on ground as well, earning his BJJ blackbelt under Rolles Gracie. It would be interesting to see how Evans responds if Davis is able to put him on his back.

Advantage: Davis

Wrestling

Both fighters are known for their stellar careers as NCAA Division I wrestlers.

Coming out of Michigan State with a 48-34 record, Rashad Evans is one of only three people to defeat wrestling legend Greg Jones. Transitioning his game to MMA, Evans showcased his grappling skills against dangerous Muay Thai striker Thiago Silva, taking down the Brazilian at will.

Davis, though, is on another level as a wrestler. Amassing an amazing 116-17 record at Penn State, "Mr. Wonderful" earned All-American accolades four times.

Under the UFC banner, Davis has proven to be a threat with his vicious takedowns and dangerous top game, his wrestling leading to decisive victories over Brian Stann and Rodney Wallace.

Advantage: Davis

Strength

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 28: UFC fighter Rashad Evans weighs in for his fight against UFC fighter Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson at UFC 114: Rampage versus Rashad at the Mandalay Bay Hotel on May 28, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

Winning the Ultimate Fighter show as a heavyweight, Rashad Evans is one of the stronger guys fighting in the UFC light heavyweight division.

At UFC 114, Evans took down the monstrous Rampage Jackson at will, proving he can control a larger opponent on the ground.

Explosive and powerful, Davis is also a very strong fighter, stemming from his Penn State days. But this strength seemed below par against Nogueira, who he was unable to takedown through most of the fight.

Advantage: Evans

Athleticism

Rashad Evans is a very good athlete, but is not quite as explosive as his opponent.

Moving with explosive speed, Davis' athleticism has served him well in the Octagon. Going the distance in three of his five fights in the UFC, "Mr. Wonderful" has shown that he doesn't gas under pressure.

His conditioning and athletic ability is one of the biggest assets in Davis' game.

Advantage: Davis

Variables

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LAS VEGAS - MAY 28: UFC fighter Rashad Evans (R) reacts to the crowd while speaking to UFC announcer Joe Rogan (L) about his fight against UFC fighter Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson at UFC 114: Rampage versus Rashad at the Mandalay Bay Hotel on May 28, 2010 i

Evans: Ring rust is going to be a big issue for Evans when he enters the cage in Philadelphia. With his last fight coming almost a year and a half ago, it will be interesting to see how he responds to the long lay off. Also coming off an injury that forced him off the card at UFC 128, the combination of the two may make it a long night for Evans when he steps into the Octagon.

Davis: Sporting a perfect 9-0 record, this will be a huge step up in competition for the young star. Although pulling out a victory over the veteran Nogueira was impressive, Evans is a former UFC champion who has decisively defeated champions and Hall of Famers alike. Can the rising talent step up to the challenge?

Prediction

This is going to be an interesting match up for both fighters.

Possessing impressive wrestling credentials, Davis will have a clear advantage on the ground if he is able to takedown the former champion.

On the other hand, Evans is the better all-around fighter, with more experience and a better stand up game.

If Evans can avoid the takedowns and force the young and promising fighter to stand and trade, he may be able to come out victorious.

Prediction: Evans via unanimous decision.