The anticipated boxing match between Rashad Evans and Rampage Jackson, originally scheduled for next weekend, will not take place.
The former UFC champions were set to headline ICS Mania 1 on April 12th in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
ICS Boxing initially announced that the event on April 12th would still proceed with the undercard and co-main events, and that Rashad Evans would face a different opponent.
However, it now appears that Evans will not be participating in the event at all, regardless of whether Jackson is involved. Evans released a statement explaining the situation.
In his statement, Evans expressed disappointment with the cancellation, stating it was “something we did not want to make.” He acknowledged the fans` anticipation for the fight and mentioned that “unexpected challenges with the promotion” and unmet “key contractual obligations” led to this decision.
Despite this setback, Evans remains hopeful about boxing Jackson in the future.
Evans previously defeated Jackson in a unanimous decision at UFC 114 in May 2010, following their coaching roles on season 10 of The Ultimate Fighter. Evans returned to combat sports in 2022 after retirement, securing a victory over Gabriel Checco in Eagle FC.
Jackson has not competed since his knockout loss to Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 237 in December 2019. Throughout his career in UFC, PRIDE, and Bellator, Jackson achieved a record of 20 wins and 10 losses.
