Rashad Evans earned all five rounds as he beat the previously undefeated Phil Davis in a cautious battle yesterday.
Davis kept at a distance early on as Evans tried to reach with his punches. Davis moved frequently and offered both punches and kicks. However, the big moment came with a trip takedown - Evans advanced to side control and secured a crucifix, earning him the opening round.
Evans controlled the centre of the cage for most of the uneventful second round. The only action came in the final minute when Evans caught Davis with a kick and ended the round in side control.
Davis came out quickly in the third round, but was short on most of his attempts to strike. Davis looked to have gained the upper hand, but it was Evans who wound up first on top and then on the back. Davis got on his feet, but Evans controlled him against the cage and landed several punches inside.
Davis posed no real threat to Evans througout the fourth, though Evans did not come forward offensively either. Davis briefly got Evans in a front headlock, but Evans quickly pulled away to continue his methodic approach.
After gaining four rounds, Evans opened up in the fifth. He opened a gash on Davis' leg with a kick and countered with punches over the top.
Evans saw out the final round and was awarded a unanimous-decision win, sweeping all five rounds on all three judges' cards.
Sam Hughes
