Evans leaves UFC: I'm 'heavily' considering comeback
The UFC and former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans have parted ways, and the fighter is considering a return to mixed martial arts, his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.
"He and (UFC president) Dana White talked, and it was a mutual decision," Abdelaziz told Okamoto. "He's been back in the gym, and he's feeling really good. I think there are a lot of fights out there for Rashad, and I'll be talking to other promotions about him shortly."
White confirmed to Okamoto that Evans was granted his release so he can fight for another promotion.
Evans (19-8-1) was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame this summer after retiring from the sport in June 2018. The Michigan State standout has lost five fights in a row. He last competed against Anthony Smith at UFC 225 and was knocked out in the first round.
The 39-year-old won Season 2 of "The Ultimate Fighter" in the heavyweight division and captured the light heavyweight title by defeating Forrest Griffin at UFC 92. His reign as champion was short-lived, though, as he was finished in his very next fight by Lyoto Machida at UFC 98 in May 2009.
Evans has fought the likes of Chuck Liddell, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and Jon Jones in his 28-fight career.
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