VIDEO | Rashad Evans on the mitts ahead of middleweight debut

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Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans has been on a bit of a slide as of late. In 2013, Evans went on a 2-fight win streak that saw him defeat Dan Henderson via split decision, and defeat Chael Sonnen via 1st round TKO.

Unfortunately, Evans was sidelined for the next 2 years due to injuries. When he made his highly anticipated return to the Octagon back at UFC 192, he was defeated via unanimous decision by Ryan Bader. Evans returned to the Octagon just 6 months later to fight Glover Teixeira in a pivotal matchup. Just one minute and 48 seconds into the fight, Teixeira knocked Evans out cold. A disappointed Evans spoke in his post-fight Octagon speech, saying that fighting used to come so easy to him.

While many speculated as to whether or not Evans would call it quits on what had been a legendary MMA career, it was announced recently that he would be dropping to middleweight for a fight with Tim Kennedy.

His opponent, Tim Kennedy, was once a top ranked middleweight with an undefeated UFC record of 3-0. After a controversial 3rd round TKO loss to Yoel Romero, Kennedy went on a hiatus from the Octagon, which he ended earlier this year.

In the video above you cans see Evans on the mitts with famed striking coach Henri Hooft ahead of his middleweight debut.

How do you think he looks?