It’s official: certainly one of MMA’s most iconic rivalries is making a comeback, however this time, it’s within the boxing ring. Quinton Rampage Jackson and ‘Suga’ Rashad Evans, two UFC legends and former gentle heavyweight champions, are set to face off later this 12 months in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The announcement is confirmed for August 2025.
Rampage Jackson vs. Rashad Evans
Rampage and Rashad’s unhealthy blood dates again greater than a decade, culminating of their conflict at UFC 114 on Could 29, 2010. The buildup to that struggle was legendary, marked by fiery trash speak and an explosive teaching rivalry on The Final Fighter. Evans emerged victorious within the octagon that evening, outwrestling and outsmarting Rampage to safe a unanimous resolution.
Now, 15 years later, these two are reigniting their feud in a brand new area. Each fighters have exchanged phrases on social media, with Rampage promising a reinvention as “Rampage 2.0” and hinting that this struggle is private. Rampage Jackson stated:
“It’s time to settle this once and for all,” Jackson wrote. “Rashad got me last time, but that was then—this is NOW.”
Each males have resumes that talk for themselves. Rashad Evans is a former UFC Gentle Heavyweight Champion and Corridor of Famer who’s broadly considered top-of-the-line fighters of his period. Recognized for his explosive wrestling and sharp fingers. Evans boasts wins over legends like Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Tito Ortiz. Since retiring from MMA in 2018, Evans has often teased comebacks, however this struggle marks his official return to competitors.
Rampage Jackson is an MMA pioneer. He made his identify with highlight-reel slams and knockouts throughout his time in Satisfaction FC and the UFC. His 2007 knockout of Chuck Liddell to say the UFC Gentle Heavyweight Title stays one of the iconic moments within the sport’s historical past. Rampage’s charisma has additionally made him a crossover star, with appearing roles in tasks like The A-Group.
This struggle will mark the primary time both fighter steps right into a boxing ring professionally, including one other layer to this match. With out the wrestling or floor sport to depend on, the matchup will showcase their placing expertise of their purest kind.
The struggle will happen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Whereas the precise date and venue are nonetheless beneath wraps, we all know it would happen in August 2025.
