UFC 92 Preview: Forrest Griffin vs Rashad Evans

If there was any doubt as to the power of The Ultimate Fighter and what it's meant to the business of mixed martial arts, look no further than the main event of this Saturday's UFC 92. With three high-quality bouts, it will be Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin vs. Rashad Evans—two former TUF winners—that will be highest on the marquee, a crowning moment at the close of the UFC's best year ever.

On Griffin (16-4):

One of the most popular fighters in the business, Griffin exploded on the scene after winning the Light Heavyweight division on TUF's first season. His unanimous decision slugfest with Stephan Bonnar is credited by many with helping put MMA back on the mainstream map, while UFC President Dana White said it was the "most important fight in UFC history."

It's a good thing Griffin decided to keep going with MMA despite wanting to quit in order to go into law enforcement full-time.

The Georgia native has created a career on being the unassuming underdog, but somehow coming out on the positive end of things. After losing a controversial split decision to Tito Ortiz at UFC 59, Griffin shocked fans by spoiling Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua's debut with a submission win in September 2007.

That helped earn him No. 1 contender status and following his coaching run on TUF's seventh season, he defeated opposing coach Quinton "Rampage" Jackson for the Light Heavyweight gold this past July via unanimous decision.

Along with Jackson and Rua, Griffin's UFC career has seen him defeat Hector Ramirez, Elvis Sinosic, Bill Mahood and Bonnar in a rematch. He has only lost to Ortiz and Rashad Evans' friend and teammate Keith Jardine by 1st-round TKO (strikes).

On Evans (16-0-1):

Like Griffin, Rashad "Sugar" Evans has spent most of his professional career being doubted by fans and critics alike. He competed as a heavyweight on season two of TUF, winning the competition via split decision over Brad Imes. The former college wrestler left the coaching of former UFC Champion Dan Severn to work with top trainer Greg Jackson, dropping down to light heavyweight."

It was a decision he wouldn't regret as he ran off four straight victories over Sam Hoger, Stephan Bonnar, Jason Lambert and Sean Salmon, the last two coming by way of knockout.

Then, Evans stepped in against Tito Ortiz at July 2007's UFC 73 and went to a draw with "The Huntington Beach Bad Boy," partially due to Ortiz's point deduction for repeatedly grabbing the cage to avoid Evans' takedown attempts. Later that year, Evans would hand Michael Bisping his first defeat and earn his shot against Griffin with a highlight reel knockout of Chuck Liddell at September's UFC 88. Along the way, he found time to appear in a Microsoft commercial.

Breakdown:

In reviewing both fighters' careers, the similarities are striking - no pun intended. They won consecutive years of TUF, are both 29 years old, have had controversial fights with Ortiz, both defeated Bonnar, both have 16 wins and both have spent part of their UFC careers regarded as underdogs.

They are also emerging as the next generation of faces for an organization that is transitioning from the era of Ortiz, Liddell, and Randy Couture.

Both have an extensive skill set standing up or going to the ground and both rarely end fights in the first round. Evans' recent knockout of Liddell could be a harbinger that he should be feared for something other than his wrestling while Griffin hasn't finished a fight via punches since his TKO win over Sinosic three years ago. The 6'3" Griffin does hold a four-inch height advantage over the 5'11" Evans.

But at the conclusion of UFC 92, the great 2008 will come to a fitting close as today's fans that were built on trilogies of Liddell/Couture and Shamrock/Ortiz will see the kickoff of another great rivalry. I think this will be a five-round epic, one that is won by the guy that is now the favorite going into the defense of his gold. I guess there's a first time for everything, including a loss for Evans.

RRC Prediction:

Forrest Griffin via unanimous decision

UFC 92 Preview:

- Frank Mir vs. Minotauro Nogueira
- Rampage Jackson vs. Wanderlei Silva

Josh Nason—josh [at] ropesringandcage [dot com]—has published MMA, wrestling and boxing blog Ropes, Ring and Cage.com since 2007. If you are using any content or recapping from this site, please include a link to www.ropesringandcage.com. Thank you for your support!