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United States Rashad Evans, a UFC Hall of Famer and former Light Heavyweight Champion, has transitioned from a decorated mixed martial artist to a respected desk analyst and entrepreneur.
Evans became a Naturals2Go Brand Ambassador in 2022 because of his commitment to building a life beyond the cage—one rooted in family values. He is also a vending business operator for the company.
Sports apparel brand Jaco was announced as the exclusive clothing sponsor of Rashad Evans for his headline fight against Phil Davis at UFC on Fox 2 in 2012.
UFC fighter Rashad Evans partnered with Bud Light at their National Convention in New Orleans.
Rashad Evans is the co-founder of Umbo, a company advocating for the health benefits of functional mushrooms.
Born on September 25, 1979, Rashad Evans began his athletic career in wrestling, competing at Niagara-Wheatfield High School in Sanborn, New York. He achieved All-State honors twice, placing fourth in his weight class in both 1997 and 1998 at the New York state finals tournament. His collegiate wrestling career included success at the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Championships, where he placed fourth in 1999 and became the 165-pound champion in 2000. He continued wrestling at Michigan State University in NCAA Division I, competing in the Big Ten conference. Evans placed fourth in the conference championships in 2002 and third in 2003 in the 174-pound weight class, concluding his college career with a 48-34 record. These formative experiences in wrestling laid the groundwork for his future in combat sports, developing the discipline and physical prowess that would define his professional journey.
Evans launched his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) career in 2003, winning all five of his initial fights. This early success earned him a spot on *The Ultimate Fighter 2* in 2005, where he emerged as the Heavyweight winner. Following this, he transitioned to the light heavyweight division, believing it offered a better opportunity for sustained success. His UFC career saw him remain undefeated for an extended period, culminating in a significant knockout victory over former Light Heavyweight Champion Chuck Liddell at UFC 88 in 2008. Later that year, at UFC 92 on December 27, 2008, Evans defeated Forrest Griffin to claim the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, a pivotal achievement that earned him Fighter of the Year honors from Sherdog.com.
Following his title reign, Evans continued to compete at a high level, engaging in notable rivalries and fights. He coached *The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights* opposite Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, whom he later defeated at UFC 114 in 2010. After various injuries and a brief retirement in 2018, during which he was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2019, Evans returned to fighting in 2022 at Eagle FC 44, securing a unanimous decision victory over Gabriel Checco. Beyond fighting, Evans has diversified his career as a UFC broadcasting team desk analyst and co-founded Umbo, a company dedicated to the health benefits of functional mushrooms, alongside former NFL quarterback Jake Plummer.
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