Rashad Evans vs Chuck Liddell UFC 88 Fight Analysis

August 15, 2008 · Filed Under Uncategorized 
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On September 6, 2008 the Evans and Liddell with face off at UFC 88.

Originally the Liddell and Evans fight was to take place in UFC 85 but Liddell sustained a hamstring injury that forced him from the card. So after a much anticipated wait, its back on.

Here is a quick look at each fighters strengths and advantages:

Chuck Liddell’s Strengths

Striking – Liddell is a dangerous with the combination of knockout power and counterstriking ability. He can move back or sideways and still deliver a potent punch.

Take Down Defense – Perhaps the best takedown defense in the UFC. Chuck rarely gets put on the ground and on the few times its happened he has the impressive ability of getting up very quickly. His strong wrestling background can be attributed to his excellent takedown defense

Mobility – Liddell has excellent foot work and knows how re-direct / attack from different angles.

Rashad Evans Strengths

Wrestling and Explosiveness – Evans is a collegiate wrestler and was originally a heavyweight and won notable victories over Keith Jardine and Brad Imes.

Kicks – surprisingly Evans has great powerful high kicks. A perfect example is when he knocked out Sean Salmon in UFC Fight Night 8. Salmon was out cold and had to be carried out of the ring.

Endurance – Is used to fighting fights with more rounds.

Fight Analysis
Chuck is on the spring board with his last win over Wanderlei Silva, a long time rival. If Chuck wins this, he’ll be back on track to the regain the UFC Light-heavyweight title. While Rashad is undefeated in (16-0-1) and his only draw was against a controversial fight against Tito Ortiz. Not only is there the pressure of being undefeated, Rashad is from Atlanta and will have more pressure fighting in front of his hometown crowd.

I think that this fight is a tough one to call… but I will give the advantage to Chuck Liddell, he’s got the counter-striking ability and the takedown defense. If Rashad does manage to take Chuck down then it might prove trouble for Liddell, but there is a high chance that this fight will stay standing.

UPDATE: UFC 88 Results -Rashad Evans Knocks Out Chuck Liddell and Stuns the MMA World

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