The two light-heavyweights were originally scheduled to face off at UFC 85 "Bedlam" in London, but Liddell was forced to bow out due to a right hamstring injury. Even though Liddell was willing to fight anyway, UFC President Dana White pulled the fan-favorite knowing that a loss would be hugely detrimental at this point of career.
In his two fights prior to the win, Liddell, the UFC's light-heavyweight champion from April 2005 to May 2007, dropped his belt to Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and followed with a surprising loss to Keith Jardine. Liddell kept his career as a superstar afloat in December when he defeated longtime rival Wanderlei Silva in a three-round battle.
Evans, who won "The Ultimate Fighter" season two competition as a heavyweight, last competed in a headlining bout at UFC 78 "Validation," delivering the first loss of season three winner Michael Bisping's career. The undefeated Evan's lone blemish on his record was a draw to former champion Tito Ortiz at UFC 73 "Stacked" last July.
UFC 88, which takes place from the Philips Arena, marks the UFC's first event held in Georgia since UFC 11 "The Proving Ground" and UFC 13 "The Ultimate Force" from the Augusta Civic Center in Augusta.
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