Rashad Evans Dominates Gabriel Checco In His Comeback Fight

Benny A. King

Former Light-heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans retired in the sport in 2018 after suffering a brutal KO loss to Anthony Smith at UFC 225.

At the time the fans agreed it was time for the fighter to hang up his gloves.

Evans last won against Chael Sonnen in 2013. From there on he went on to suffer 5 straight losses including two by way of knockout.

Rashad announced that he would be making a comeback fight against Gabriel Checco, for the co-main event of Eagle FC 44. Many condemned this initially.

The former UFC champion faced submission specialist Gabriel Checco. Evans was able to dominate the fight with a wrestling-based gameplan. He scored takedowns in every round:

During the fight, Gabriel Checco attempted several leglock attempts.

But the experienced UFC veteran was able to survive all of them, and eventually scramble to top control and from there impose his will to win the round in the scorecards.

When asked about it post-fight, Rashad shared how he felt being back at fighting:

“It felt like you said you know? like ‘damn is this really happening?” Rashad then said: “It actually happened fast and before i knew it, i was in a fight. It felt like a dream!”

Rashad was not the only MMA Legend to be present during this edition of Eagle FC. The main event featured long-time MMA fighter and Pride FC veteran Sergei Kharitonov.

Kharitonov faced Tyrone Spong for the main event fight.

The long time MMA veteran was able to finish Spong via ground and pound in the second round of their fight: