Evans leaves Liddell in tatters
by Ben Blackmore, 07 September 2008
Rashad Evans delivered one of the most stunning knock-outs in UFC history to leave Chuck Liddell's illustrious career in tatters at "UFC 88: BREAKTHROUGH" - live on Setanta Sports.
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On a night that saw Amir Khan sensationally knocked out in the boxing world, Evans delivered arguably a more shocking headline with the destruction of a UFC legend.
"Sugar" Rashad Evans exploded into life 1 minute and 51 seconds into the second round, beating Liddell to the punch with a huge overhand right.
The former UFC light-heavyweight champion was instantly out cold, and he remained horizontal for several minutes before regaining his composure.
"Chuck's a great competitor," Evans said after the fight, which takes his undefeated MMA record to 17-1-0.
"My strategy was to go straight for the horns, you can't beat Chuck by going for takedowns all day."
This was by far and away the biggest fight of Evans' career since he burst onto the scene as a winner of "The Ultimate Fighter series two".
His only previous headline event was a controversial decision win over Michael Bisping, and his only previous knock-out via strikes (not kicks) in The UFC came two years ago.
That all changed in Atlanta though, guaranteeing that Evans finally has an undeniable place amongst the elite in the 205lb division, with the one remaining question being: Can he win the belt?
This was supposed to be the fight that saw Liddell book himself a title shot, it was supposed to be a matter of when - not if - he could knock Evans out.
However, it very quickly became apparent that "The Iceman" would struggle against Evans' pace, Liddell taking 40 seconds to land his first punch, prompting a typically showbiz response from Evans who merely rolled his shoulders.
Speed of movement and subtle changes in stance kept the favourite off balance throughout the opening stanza, and it was Liddell who returned to his corner with a cut and severe mouse under his right eye.
The confidence was flooding into the veins of Evans, and Liddell tried to intimidate by closing off The Octagon.
However, when the former champion unloaded the big right, he was beaten by Evans' monumental overhand right, which rattled the chin of Liddell as he collapsed motionless to the deck.
The brief stunned silence was as deafening as the roar that followed, Evans can no longer be underestimated - he has serious knock-out power.
What remains for Liddell (21-6-0) is now a huge question mark. Three losses in his last four, "The Iceman's" hot streak at the top of The UFC may finally have gone cold for good.