UFC 133 Preview: Rashad Evans Looking to "Smash" Tito Ortiz at UFC 133

After hours of speculation, it was officially confirmed that Tito Ortiz would fight Rashad Evans at UFC 133. The two light heavyweights will meet in rematch from their previous bout at UFC 73 in 2007 that resulted in a draw. While the decision was not well received, it became clear that Ortiz was no longer the dominant fighter he used to be.

However, at UFC 132, Ortiz resurrected his career by defeating Ryan Bader. Obviously still glaring with confidence following his win over Bader, Ortiz decided to step in on a three week notice to face Evans. It is a move that surprised some fans, but has excited many more of them. 

In fact Evans told MMAFighting.com he was actually cheering for Ortiz at UFC 132.

"I'm not going to lie, I was happy for him. I wanted to see him win. He hadn't won a fight in five years," Evans said.

And it was with that win that has revived Ortiz's career momentarily and has potentially put him into contention for a UFC title shot. And although the win shocked many, including Evans, Evans admits he thought a rematch with "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy" would never happen due to Ortiz's losing streak.

"He wasn't staying consistently hot. It was something I thought about back then, but as time went on, I thought about guys who would be more of a challenge. Coming off this win, it's looking like he's got a little fire underneath him," he said.

And while he is happy for Ortiz, Evans believes when they meet again, it will be strictly business.

"If he wants to fight, I appreciate him taking the fight, but I'm going to smash him," he said.

A win for Evans will earn him the opportunity to challenge for the UFC light heavyweight title in the near future.