By Monta Wiley
UFC 145 will be held live on April 21st at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. It will be a night that will feature some of the best fighters in the world as the event promises to be another demonstration as to why Mixed Martial Arts is such a powerful force in our sports genre.
Featuring a battle that has been over a year in the making, the main event will see a much anticipated light heavyweight match between current light champion Jon Jones and number one contender Rashad Evans. Fractured relationships, egos and built-up hostility have been the main components that have fueled the ignition leading up to this epic encounter. Looking back on the whole ordeal both fighters have no regrets for the comments and actions they made gearing up toward the fight because once the cage door closes the time for talking will be over.
For the former Jacksons MMA star Rashad Evans it has been a long hard road as he went thru a disastrous breakup with Jon Jones and former coach Greg Jackson. Reflecting back on these past occurrences, Evans hopes to not only get closure from this longed rivalry with Jones but also reclaim the glory of becoming champion once again.
“It feels good to be back on a regular card schedule. To be able to fight consistently is something I really needed because doing stuff besides fighting is one of the hardest things to do as a fighter when you are still in your prime. I have been wanting to fight Jon Jones for a long time and I am just ready to fight him and become champ again.”
Looking on the other side of the spectrum Jon Jones has had a remarkable career since his arrival to the UFC four years ago. A brash attitude, hunger to grow, and his constant observation of the game, Jones has been able to decimate legends like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Lyoto Machida in his ascent to the top. Aside from defending his coach’s honor and his own reputation, Jones hopes to add another highlight finish on his track record which only supports his progressive goal of once again showing critics and fans alike why he is the best in the world.
“I am a big believer in setting goals. Although I have trained myself for 5 round fights, one of my goals is to finish every fight in 2012. So my goal going into this fight is to finish it.”
With both fighters going into the upcoming bout with built up aggression and the supreme fighting skills to attain victory, the situation is shaping into a fight for the UFC history books. After the dust settles both fighters hope to come to a mutual ground where they are able to become friendly with each other through their progression in this sport.
“I’m a guy who really has no problems with any fighter in the UFC and after this fight I would like to be able to be at an event and not feel awkward in the same room with Rashad and be able to be cool,” said Jones.
“After the fight is over it’s over. I don’t find it necessary to carry on any grudges. Do I think we will be best friends? No, but I definitely think there is going to be some respect afterwards,” Evans proclaimed.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAeARBj8Mhw
