Rashad Evans Says Shogun Rua Lacks Conditioning, Predicts Forrest Griffin to Win

While Forrest Griffin approaches his upcoming rematch with Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 134, not many fans are giving him a chance to get past the Brazilian again, including himself. 

But Rashad Evans does. 

According to the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion, Griffin already holds the psychological edge from his first win over Rua, but he points to Rua's conditioning issues that will contribute to Griffin earning the victory.

"Shogun does not have the best conditioning," Evans told Tapout Radio. 

"I think that was a problem in their first fight, and I think it's going to be a problem in this second fight."

Evans knows full well of what Griffin is capable of. The two competitors squared off at UFC 92 that saw Evans beat Griffin and capture the light heavyweight title. Griffin kept a good, strategic pace during the fight as he pressed forward, imposing his massive frame, and attacked aggressively with combinations and leg kicks. 

While Griffin might not be the most talented fighter, he makes up for it with heart and determination. It's an attribute that few fighters can possess and clearly Evans saw it in him then and still sees it in him now. 

Evans said it is Griffin's ability to constantly wear on his opponent that forces them to break down. Evans believes Griffin took Rua's will after their first bout.

"There's something that happens in a fight sometimes, and the way Forrest beat him the first time, he took a piece of him with him," he said.

"I think they might pick up right where they left off, because there's no fear. That's gone."

Certainly there is no fear or quit in Griffin, despite his self-depreciating manner. It is what retains his relevancy in the 205 lb division and popularity with the fans. And at UFC 134, he will look to finish what he started against Rua.