10 big UFC fights that failed to deliver

#7: Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson vs. Rashad Evans, UFC 114

Rashad Evans used a grappling-based gameplan to outwit Rampage Jackson in a disappointing fight

The UFC stumbled onto a goldmine in 2010, as the long delay that led into the Rashad Evans/Rampage Jackson fight – they’d been due to fight in late 2009 before Rampage temporarily retired following a dispute with UFC officials – only meant that the fans became more desperate to see the two men lock horns.

The trash-talk between the two was unprecedented, with Rashad labelling Rampage soft and lacking heart, while Jackson accused Evans of being an “Uncle Tom” – one of the most controversial slurs possible. It seemed like fireworks were guaranteed, but despite beginning with a bang, the fight eventually turned into a damp squib.

Rashad surprised Rampage with a jackhammer right hand in the early moments of the fight, but despite having his opponent stunned, he decided to frustrate and tire out the former UFC champ with clinch work and takedowns instead. The action soon slowed to a crawl, and even a late charge from Rampage that saw him knock Evans down couldn’t save things.

Rashad was awarded a unanimous decision but didn’t gain any fans with his performance as the lacklustre fight was blamed largely on his clinch-heavy gameplan. The show drew over a million buys on pay-per-view though, making it a bittersweet success for the UFC.