UFC 205: Rashad Evans vs. Tim Kennedy preview

This is a fight I didn’t want to see made. Both fighters are great guys, and I don’t want either man to lose. That said, it’s a good fight, and should be a good time.

Rashad is dropping down to 185 for this fight, which shouldn’t be a problem for the consummate professional. Rashad is coming off of two losses, dropping fights to Ryan Bader and Glover Teixeira. Before that he’d won two in a row over Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen. Rashad owns one of the most well-rounded MMA games in the sport. He can stand and strike, he’s a tremendous wrestler, and has submissions as well. His fight IQ is off the charts, and he’s used to the big fight atmosphere. He has a ton of experience and doesn’t get shook.

Tim Kennedy is a stud. His last time out, he lost in what was a very controversial fight. He fought and was in control of Yoel Romero who between the second and third round stayed on his stool for an extended period of time after he was instructed by the athletic commission to get up and fight. Many believed the fight at that point should have been stopped…..but after benefitting from a lengthy break, he stopped Tim in the third round. Tim protested, and the evidence was there to support him, but the loss stayed on his record. He beat Michael Bisping in his previous fight. He has good standup, great wrestling and improving submissions. He’s strong willed and super tough.

These two should put on a great fight, and I’m going to nervous watching it. They’ve both fought the elite in MMA and this fight is likely going to be a great fight. I don’t know how to pick it, and part of me doesn’t want to. I’m just going to say I’m hoping for a great fight.

Ok, ok, I’ll make a pick. Give me Tim Kennedy by submission in Round 3.

image credit – UFC