LAS VEGAS -- Light heavyweight champion
Forrest Griffin was the last UFC fighter to weigh in for a jam-packed 2008, as he prepares for his first title defense against
Rashad Evans Saturday at UFC 92 “The Ultimate 2008” at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Both winners of Spike TV's “The Ultimate Fighter,” the pair were met with positive fanfare as Griffin weighed in at 205 pounds and Evans at 203 pounds.
"It's not really real until you get a title defense," said Griffin, who took the title from Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 86 last July via unanimous decision. "I'd really like to (defend my title), obviously."
Undefeated in his still-blossoming career, Evans must take the stage with as much confidence as he did against legend
Chuck Liddell, who he knocked out with a blistering right hand in the second round at UFC 88 last September.
"May the best man win, but I'm only looking to go out there and get that belt," said Evans.
Wanderlei Silva and
Quinton "Rampage" Jackson showed all the signs of a heated rivalry as they stood toe-to-toe for their third anticipated meeting. Former Pride champion Silva took the role of enforcer as he shoved the mouthy Jackson backwards when things got too close for comfort. Silva bested Jackson with vicious punches and knees in their two previous outings in 2003 and 2004.
Silva weighed in a svelte 203 pounds; Jackson was a lesser defined 206 pounds.
In the second title offering of the evening, UFC interim heavyweight champion
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira hit the scale at 246 pounds. Challenger and former champ
Frank Mir was 251 pounds. The victor of the bout will meet UFC heavyweight champion
Brock Lesnar in 2009.
Forrest Griffin (205) vs.
Rashad Evans (203)
Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (246) vs.
Frank Mir (251)
CB Dollaway (186) vs.
Mike Massenzio (184)
Wanderlei Silva (203) vs.
Quinton Jackson (206)
Cheick Kongo (233) vs.
Mustapha al Turk (237)
Yushin Okami (185) vs.
Dean Lister (186)
Antoni Hardonk (246) vs.
Mike Wessel (260)
Matt Hamill (205) vs.
Reese Andy (206)
Ryo Chonan (171) vs.
Brad Blackburn (170)
Dan Evensen (242) vs.
Patrick Barry (233)
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