Expect it to be loud on Saturday when Jon Jones and Rashad Evans meet in the main event of UFC 145 in Atlanta.
The two fighters were both met with a lot of boos and some cheers when they weighed in on Friday at the Philips Arena for their light-heavyweight title bout. Jones, the defending champion was 205 pounds on the number, while Evans, a former champion, was 204.
Evans and Jones then had a pretty intense staredown, just touching foreheads but nothing more than that.
There has been plenty of trash talk between the two fighters leading up to this grudge match between former teammates, and both have a noteworthy fanbase as well as plenty of detractors.
And both said the leadup to this fight has been unlike any other.
“It’s been a bit different because of the media. I enjoyed the process. It is a lot of emotion involved, but at the same time I’m looking forward to stepping in the cage and fighting Jon Jones,” Evans said.
Added Jones: “It’s a gigantic fight. I’m excited to be here, baby. I’m ready to tear some heart out.”
One fighter missed weight — lightweight John Makdessi of Montreal was 158 pounds and will forfeit 20 per cent of his purse to Anthony Njokuani.
All other fighters, including the five other Canadians on the card, made weight without a problem.
