Although the UFC has not made an official announcement that light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans will make his first title defense against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, UFC President Dana White indicated in a radio interview that Rashad-Rampage will happen."I'd love to see Rashad and Rampage," White said on The Carmichael Dave Show. "I think that's a fun fight."
If White would love to see it, he probably will see it. He is, after all, Evans' and Jackson's boss. And really, Evans vs. Jackson basically makes too much sense not to happen. Jackson, the former light heavyweight champion, just knocked out Wanderlei Silva at UFC 92. He's both a legitimate No. 1 contender and a proven pay-per-view draw.
The only reason not to give Jackson the next title shot is that there might be some concern about the legal issues stemming from his July arrest on hit-and-run and reckless driving charges. But White said he's not overly concerned about that.
"He'll go to court," White said. "I don't think he'll have any issues."
If for some reason Jackson weren't the No. 1 contender, the most likely next candidate would be the undefeated Lyoto Machida, who fights Thiago Silva in the co-main event at UFC 94.
"Lyoto's an awesome fighter," White said. "He's got a great fight coming up. He wins this fight he's definitely in the mix, too. ... A lot of people think his style is too evasive and not engaging (but) once he gets comfortable in that Octagon, he's going to come into his own and be very exciting. I expect big things from him."
But those big things aren't likely to include a title fight, at least not until Jackson gets his shot.
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