Good point. It was done for one of the MMA websites and they limited the number & types of questions that could be included. The interview was done about a month ago. We did a part two where he talks about his game plan for Forrest. I haven't had time to write it up though.
Five Minutes With “Suga” Rashad Evans
Rashad Evans has done what many thought would not be possible…12 times. Without exception, the “experts” have predicted that Rashad would lose everyone one of his fights. And, they’ve been wrong every time. As I write this, Rashad has a record with 12 wins and no losses. Seven of those wins in the UFC! One of those wins includes a brutal knockout of UFC legend and former Light-heavyweight champion Chuck Liddell. Rashad is now preparing to do the impossible again. On December 27th, he will square off against current UFC light heavyweight champ, Forrest Griffin. It’s likely that Rashad is going into this fight as an underdog. But, as he will tell you himself, that’s just how he likes it. I recently had an opportunity to catch up with Rashad.
So how did it feel to once again prove the experts wrong with such a decisive victory over such a notable opponent?
It feels great man. I trained like never before for this fight and it paid off.
How did you feel going into the fight?
I was relaxed and ready. I felt like I had no pressure and that I had done everything I could to prepare.
Have you spoken to Chuck since you KO’d him?
No not at all.
What about Dana? What has he had to say since the upset?
I haven’t spoken to Dana either.
That’s surprising. You beat the legendary Chuck Liddell and you are about to challenge Forrest Griffin for the LHW belt, yet you’ve not spoken with Dana?
Pretty much all of the communication with the Dana/UFC is done through my manager. He’s probably not too happy that I knocked out his boy.
Interesting. So, you chose to stand with Chuck. Why?
It was part of the game plan. I didn’t want to tire myself out by going for the takedown. And, I didn’t want to expose myself to getting KO’d.
Chuck has built his legend on keeping the fight standing and knocking people out. You, on the other hand are mostly known for using your wrestling to control the fight and take it to the ground. What made you think that you could beat Chuck at his own game?
We studied how Chuck moves in and where he is vulnerable and put a good plan together. Then I trained harder than ever to make sure I could execute the plan.
It was definitely a good and well executed game plan. You mentioned that you trained harder than ever before. What did your training consist of?
I trained six days per week, 3-4 times per day. I began each day on the Airdyne machine to work on cardio & muscle endurance. My second workout was a team practice where we focused on tactical MMA & BJJ. My third workout consisted of a hit mix of punching & kicking. Sometimes I squeezed a fourth workout in, which consisted of kickboxing.
Why the Airdyne over other cardio equipment?
For me the Airdyne helps not just my cardio but also my leg and arm muscle endurance.
Did you do any weight training?
During my building phase, I do basic movements like dead lifts. However, 6 weeks out my focus is on working on my game plan and bringing up my cardio.
Training 3-4 times per days, six days per week is incredibly demanding.
What do you do to recover?
A lot of different things. Supplements play a big role. Eating a lot of clean whole food. I eat 3-4 meals per day. And, I also take a nap every day and I make sure I get eight hours of sleep every night.
What type of supplements do you use?
I use mainly protein shakes to help me keep my protein levels up. For the Liddell fight I trained using Dr. Scott Connelly’s Progenex Recovery powder and SRG caps. They made a huge difference in my ability to recover.
How So?
I normally feel more and more tired during the six weeks leading up to a fight. By the 3rd and 4th workouts of the day I’m usually exhausted. And when I wake up in the morning I’m usually sore and banged up. The next day after I started using the recovery product I right away felt a difference.
How did you feel?
I felt strong & energetic throughout the whole day. A few weeks after getting on Progenex, I was training with more intensity than ever and recovering nicely.
How much does your weight fluctuate throughout the year?
In the off season I get up to about 225. For a fight I get down to 215 and then cut to 205. The day of the fight I’m about 215. I will tell you, that for this last fight I was a more solid 215. I felt stronger and had more muscle.
Do you do anything special or unusual for your cutting?
Nope. Just twenty minute intervals in the sauna until I’m at my weight.
What would you say is your biggest strength?
Consistently being underestimated. I think most of my opponents believe they are going to beat me and fail to put together a good game plan.
What would you say has been your hardest fight so far?
For sure my fight against Jardine. Not only was my hand sprained, but Keith was fresh and he hits harder than anyone else I have ever fought.
What has been your easiest fight?
Anyone of the KO’s. When you KO someone, your don’t really feel it.
Have you ever felt scared going into a fight?
I’ve never felt scared, but I have found myself in the cage at the beginning of a fight thinking, man I’m not up for this right now.
Who have you sparred with that you thought was a real handful and would be tough to beat in a fight?
I’ve sparred with Paul Buentello and that guy has really fast hands and he hits really hard.
Interesting. Okay, let’s finish with your thoughts on various MMA personalities. I’m going to give you some names. You tell me the first word that comes to mind.
Okay.
• GSP – “Phenomenal”
• Lyoto Machida – “Crafty”
• Dana White – “Smart”
• Matt Hughes – “Alright guy”
• Tito Ortiz – “Entertainer”
• Houston Alexander – “heart”
• Anderson Sylva – “Animal”
• Kimbo Slice – “Fortunate”
• Fedor – “Beast”
