Rashad Evans is the new UFC light heavyweight champion.Evans beat Forrest Griffin by TKO with a dominant ground and pound display in the third round of tonight's main event of UFC 92, taking the title belt in the UFC's marquee weight class.
Griffin dominated the early part of the fight: In the first round, it was completely a stand-up battle, with Griffin doing a good job of using his superior height and length to land kicks to Evans' legs and body. In the second Evans landed a couple of solid punches, but for the most part Griffin wasn't hurt, and he continued to control the fight with his superior reach.
But in the third, Evans caught a kick, took Griffin down, and punished Griffin on the ground. Although Griffin got Evans into his guard, Evans was doing significant damage when the fighters were on the canvas, and Evans eventually pounded Griffin out.
Griffin, who became the champion when he beat Rampage Jackson in July, was making his first title defense. Now Evans may end up defending the belt against Rampage, who knocked out Wanderlei Silva in an undercard fight. Evans vs. Rampage would be a great fight.
Evans improves his record to 13-0-1. Griffin falls to 16-5.
Knockout Night at UFC 92
Wanderlei Silva begins to fall after a knock out punch by Quinton Jackson, right, during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Quinton Jackson celebrates his first round KO over victory over Wanderlei Silva during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Wanderlei Silva is worked on after being knocked out by Quinton Jackson during the first round of their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Wanderlei Silva is worked on by medical staff after being knocked out by Quinton Jackson during the first round of their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Forrest Griffin, left, takes a right from Rashad Evans during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art championship match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won by TKO in the third. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Forrest Griffin is worked on by his corner just before the third round during his UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match against Rashad Evans, Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won by TKO in the third. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Rashad Evans, left, takes a right from Forrest Griffin during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won by TKO in the third. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Rashad Evans, right, trades punches with Forrest Griffin during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art championship match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won by TKO in the third round. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Rashad Evans connects with a right to Forrest Griffin during the third round of their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Evans won in the third round by TKO. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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Rashad Evans celebrates his third round TKO victory over Forrest Griffin during their UFC light heavyweight mixed martial art match Saturday, Dec. 27, 2008 at The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Eric Jamison)
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