Dana White: ‘I Think Rashad Evans is Probably Going to Retire’

Former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans faces some tough questions looking ahead after suffering his second consecutive loss on Saturday.

The 36-year-old former titleholder was knocked out in the opening round of the UFC on FOX 19 main event. He fell victim to the fourth-ranked contender Glover Teixeira’s punching power.

While riding a two-fight winning streak in 2013, Evans suffered a knee injury that would keep him out of competition for nearly two years. He’s now lost back-to-back fights since returning in October.

“I think Rashad is probably going to retire,” said UFC president Dana White during his backstage interview following the event in Tampa’s Amalie Arena in Florida.

Evans has a broadcasting career outside of the Octagon, and White believes Evans has been considering retirement for some time.

HOT TOPIC > UFC Issues Statement on BJ Penn Sexual Assault Allegations

“I think he’s kind of been on the fence and contemplating that anyway,” said the UFC president. “Tonight might have solidified that.”

Evans entered The Ultimate Fighter house during season 2 of the reality show undefeated and emerged the winner of the heavyweight tournament in 2005. After putting together seven wins in eight fights upon his UFC arrival, Evans earned a title shot after knocking out Chuck Liddell at UFC 88. He defeated Forrest Griffin to capture the 205-pound championship in his next outing.

“Suga” lost the belt in his first title defense to Lyoto Machida. He rebounded from the knockout loss by making a title run. After putting together a four-fight winning streak, Evans faced former training partner Jon Jones for the title at UFC 145. He was defeated by unanimous decision. That was in 2012.

Evans has won two and lost two in his last four outings, but hasn’t won a fight since returning from his knee injuries. But he also hasn’t lost a fight to anyone outside of the top ten.

Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram