UFC 133: Rashad Evans Says He Faced "A Lot of Up and Downs" Prior to UFC 133

The last year seems to be a long road travelled for UFC Light Heavyweight contender, Rashad Evans, as he prepares to headline UFC 133 against Tito Ortiz.

Evans, who is coming off a 14-month layoff since his last win over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 114, said he is ready to step back in the Octagon and finally compete.

"I'm very anxious to get back in the cage. You know, it's been a long 14 months, a lot of up and downs," Evans told reporters during a UFC 133 media conference on Thursday.

"I had no idea I was going to be out this long, but things happen and circumstances arise, so I am happy to get back in there and I am happy Tito Ortiz took the fight and I got a chance to fight."

While Evans was preparing for his upcoming bout, his options leading up to the fight appeared to be wearing thin after it was learned that former opponent Phil Davis was forced to withdraw due to injury. Ortiz and Lyoto Machida initially turned down the chance to fight Evans, which left the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion feeling frustrated. 

However, Ortiz would render his decision and decide to compete against Evans on a three-week notice. Both fighters last fought at UFC 73, which went to a draw and it left Evans feeling bad about his performance.

"I felt horrible about the performance. I felt horrible about my performance for years," he said.

"Just young and inexperienced at that level, I really didn't get my mind out of that situation until it was a little bit too late but I'm a long ways from that right now."

And although Evans holds nothing personal against the result of their first encounter, he intends on entering the Octagon and earning the victory.

"I want to go out and just really feel good in there and take my time, be patient and not try and rush anything," Evans said.

"So I just want to go in there and see where Tito Ortiz is going and where the fight is going to go, and take it to where I want it to go."