It’s official: considered 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 dangerous 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 choice.
Now, 15 years later, these two are reigniting their feud in a brand new enviornment. 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 as soon as and for all,” Jackson wrote. “Rashad bought me final time, however that was then—that 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 extensively considered the most effective fighters of his period. Identified for his explosive wrestling and sharp arms. Evans boasts wins over legends like Chuck Liddell, Forrest Griffin, and Tito Ortiz. Since retiring from MMA in 2018, Evans has sometimes 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 Delight FC and the UFC. His 2007 knockout of Chuck Liddell to assert the UFC Gentle Heavyweight Title stays one of the crucial iconic moments within the sport’s historical past. Rampage’s charisma has additionally made him a crossover star, with appearing roles in initiatives 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 recreation to depend on, the matchup will showcase their putting abilities of their purest kind.
The struggle will happen in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Whereas the precise date and venue are nonetheless underneath wraps, we all know it is going to happen in August 2025.
