Props: TAGG Radio via Fightline.com
Quoteworthy:
“When [Griffin] got off his little flurry on me, and he gave me everything he had, I was like, ‘Oh man. I’ve seen every trick in the book,’” Evans said. “And I knew that there was nothing he could do to really hurt me. I felt all his power, and I was like, ‘Man, I’ve got this. I’ve got this now.’ And I wanted to let him know that [he] can’t hurt me. It’s going to be a long night from here on out.’ It was just a little fun. Me and Forrest were sitting there smiling. I’d hit him with a good shot, and he’d give me a little smile or something. We were just going back and forth. When you’re in the gym or something like that, it’s just some stuff we go on with a little trash-talking and stuff like that. It’s nothing personal. It’s just getting into the fight.”
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and proud nipple-twisting club member Rashad Evans talks about the gesture he made during his fight against Forrest Griffin in the UFC 92: “The Ultimate 2008″ main event, blowing a kiss and then grabbing his crotch after absorbing a punch. All in good clean fun, according to The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) heavyweight winner from season two of the mixed martial arts reality series on Spike TV. Evans went on to smash Griffin in the third round to capture the 205-pound title.
Photo courtesy of Yahoo!Sports.
91 Comments »
Uh yeah, Ive read that “explanation” five times and it still doesn’t make any sense.
The guy is a piece of work and i have no doubts we will be seeing more of these types of stuff from the “champ”.
I swear some of you making comments about Rashad’s antics have been living in a vacuum for the past 30 years. I have seen waaaaay worse happen in just about every other professional sport on the planet. Verbal and physical attacks on referees and other officials, players going into the stands to fight with fans, bench-clearing brawls, etc. Obscene gestures and smack talk are the rule rather than the exception. Unfortunately, when fighting is your sport and you’re in one, you’re already beating on the guy as hard as you can go, whats left other than to taunt him and talk smack?? Seriously, do you think that MMA fans and the viewers at home haven’t seen worse in other sports?
“Unfortunately, when fighting is your sport and you’re in one, you’re already beating on the guy as hard as you can go, whats left other than to taunt him and talk smack?? ”
How about sportsmanship and decency? Just because it happens in other sports too doesn’t make everything all better. I’m all for being a showman, but there are certain things you just shouldn’t do. There is a certain honor established among fighters and people who train to fight. If Rashad wanted to be a sowman, then he shouldve talked his smack BEFORE the fight or after it, not during the middle of it. The next time he fights someone and drops his hands like that, I hope someone sends him packing with a KO. Maybe then he’d finally learn his lesson.
well said.
You guys are living in a bubble or something. These guys aren’t Shaolin Monks fighting for honor and some kind of enlightenment; it’s for money. And we don’t watch it so as to honor their commitment to being noble knights of the martial arts world; it’s entertainment.
I thought the nut grab and the kiss were awesome. I actually would like to see more of that. It amps the fight up more.
You like what you like…I like what I like. We’re going to have to agree to disagree on this one.
I have NO problems with what Rashad did. He was out there having fun… He wasnt winning the fight at that point and if Rashad wants to risk the fight by stopping to show boat, then his opponent should do something about it. instead of watching him Forrest should have punched him in the mouth. Rashad got away with it, won the fight and entertained me! I have NO PREOBLEMS at all with what he did. Chill with all that self righteous Judgmental Crap. If Rashad want to take risks by taunting in the middle of a fight which leaves himself open to be hit, then its up to his opponent to make him pay!
What I do know is that Rashad wont be doing any showboating during the Rampage fight. U better believe he will be keeping his hands up…Because he knows that if he stops to taunt Jackson he is going tro get KTFO. Forrest is an opponent that you can taunt….He has NO Power at all in his hands. Forrest doesnt like being taunted, then he should learn to throw a powerful punch!
Nicely put john…I have no quams with what Rashad did either…there are worse things to do in a fight than a little taunting. Forrest was smiling several times during the fight and that’s also taunting but it’s just not as obvious as grabbing your crotch. Props to Rashad for sticking it to Forrest and showing him that he needs to really work on his power if he wants to stay at the top of the division. Legs kicks only get you so far.
Toelock — I’m with you. The self-righteousness gets really thick around here sometimes, doesn’t it?
this has nothing to do with self righteousness….some people who actuyally have something called class, do not act like an ASS in the Octagon like Tito and Rashad. The thing with Tito is, at least he stands by his shit talking and stuupid antics. Rashad on the other hand, has to keep making up excuses saying things like “its just a littole fun, nothing personal” yea right. When he was doing that in the cage he looked like a cocky little bastard with an attitude. It didnt look like “fun” to me. People I were watching the fight when Rashad did that started BOOING! It just looks stupid when people do stuff like that in the cage. If he spent half as much energy fighting as he does on his antics and jumping around, he might actually hold the title for a while….but God forbid that because I cannot stand the guy.
amen, never liked rashad, never will… i hope he gets injured soon and cant fight for at least a year
fully agree brendan, rashad is classless and clueless. he thinks the armani look give’s him class, think again. you cannot buy class, it is instilled as a child.i look forward to seeing this guy waking up on the canvas. it will come soon enough , it alway’s does in combat sports.
Yeah ya nipple twistin pussy! Not pussy cos he’d kill me but oh my god hat Anderson would do to him. He beat Bisbing pn a dodgy decision why does that not come up in his “highlight2 KNOCKOUTS.
Gonna be a short reign………..
My god I thin I might be drunk but guluk!!!
What the hell is the big deal, did Forrest seem bothered about it, then why should you. The majority of people complaining about this are the ones that always hate on Rashad anyway and will use any reason or excuse to ruin any winning performance he puts on. Did you see him running around like a crazy person after he beat Chuck and Forrest like most fighters do giving it the big I am, no you didn’t but did you give him any positive cooments for it, none at all. He grabs his nuts in the spur of the moment in a title fight with the adrenaline going and his opponent not bothered in the slightest about it, and you want to give him the electric chair. Rashad beat Chuck and Forrest and is now champion. Show some respect and get over it.
i don’t see what the big deal is… everyone wants to hate on rashad or lesnar when plenty of others have done the same thing. noone made a big deal when couture spanked tito’s ass.
Agreed. As long as he keeps on winning more power to him. Anyone who doesn’t like it can try and kick his ass.
People didn’t make a big deal out of Randy spanking Tito because Tito had a history of being a prick in victory with all his t-shirts (”Gay Metzger”, “I Just Fucked Your Ass”, “RESPECT, I don’t earn it, I just fucken take it”, etc.). It was seen as Tito getting some of his own medicine from a guy that’s all class.
In contrast, Rashad disrespecting Forrest is just seen as Rashad being a prick… again. Forrest is nothing but respectful of his opponents in victory and defeat. Rashad is already seen by many as being classless, doing stuff like that is why.
+1,000,000,000
Bauh4us — Forrest Griffin didn’t see it as disrespect. It’s your problem, bro.
“Forrest is nothing but respectful of his opponents in victory and defeat”
what about when he flipped off shogun’s corner in the middle of the fight, he wasn’t respectful then, how is that different thant Rashad, or how does he not deserve a little trash talk back like Tito.
Yeah, difference is Tito deserved it.
But how come he never twisted his nipples. I had everyone watching for it and it never happened.
rashad sucks
Rashad will hold his belt for minimum 3 fights, guaranteed. And Forrest will move down the wrungs, without a doubt. Next, Marquardt will take the MW and the Greg Jackson will be the best coach in the world, owning 3 divisions.
I used to think Xtreme Couture was the best MMA camp, with Greg Jackson being a close second. Now, with Xtreme Couture losing ALOT lately (Tyson Griffin, Randy Couture, Wanderlei Silva, Forrest Griffin). Most of their big guys have lost. Greg Jackson’s on the other hand, have won alot (Nate Marquardt, GSP, Rashad, Jardine, Leonard Garcia, others). Greg Jackson NOW is the best MMA coach in the world.
Xtreme Couture could still be better.. It’s still the fighters who goes out there to fight not the coaches..
that is the same line he said about Chuck. “i took chucks best punch and knew he couldn’t beat me, blah blah blah”
yeah shut the F up you arrogant P.O.S spartan.
kitsunex — Watch it, man. I come from Spartan country.
So, you don’t like him because he’s a Spartan? Or because he’s “arrogant.”
how bout cuz hes an immature clown?
i went to MSU. that place can suck it. spartans are some of the biggest jerks. my buddy watched the fight in east lansing and had to deal with all sorts of drunken spartans yelling and acting like retards.
It would really be interesting to see Shard fight Anderson Silva. I think it would be an amazing display of quickness and athleticism and also they both could try out each others latest Terrel Owens style runway antics on one another. Watching that type of stuff is like running your fingers over a chalk board, like watching Beyonce(sp?)bounce around on a stage and point to her finger and say you need to put a ring on it, or like watching BJ Penn lick blood off his gloves. Just plain foolishness.
lol man you summed it up! I cant stand that dumbass song “put a ring on it” makes me sick!
Act with class and you can win over your harshest critic. Act like a 16 year old goofing with his buddies and you’ll lose even your most die-hard fan. If he wants people to take him seriously… he has to show he takes it seriously. It’s just that simple.
Kinda hard to not take him seriously at this point dont you think, he is the champ now and it was not lucky or flukey. Rashad has beat down everyone put infront of him. It annoys me to think that Rashad gets looked at like a cocky prick but everyone is still up Tito’s dick. Tito is the most disrespectful guy in the game yet people still like him. Im sure your just pissed because he kicked the crap out of Forrest to.
Tito is all respect! he hasn’t disrespected one single person ever.. and i mean that!
kenny deserved it when they fought.. and he even apologized after
No, I think Rashad is the best product of the TUF series. He’s got amazing skills and hasn’t had to rely on his “strength” of wrestling. He can beat you any way and is far more worthy of being champ than Forrest when it comes to skill.
However…. he carries himself like a chump. Tito is a perfect example of talent wasted on immaturity. Comparing the two only solidifies my point. He carries the skill and power of a champion but, his immature actions take away from the prestige that title can hold.
Leno — Rashad is no worse than any other fighter. E.g. Big Nog was looking past Mir and already talking about facing Lesnar. Now, tell me who was disrespecting whom? The moment those words left Big Nog’s mouth, I turned to my buddy and said, “Did you hear that?! He’s looking past Mir to Lesnar. Bad luck, man.” Very, very disrespectful. But then Rashad goofs around, and it’s the end of the world.
It’s because I’m a fan. I think Rashad is an amazing Mixed Martial Artist. He’s losing me solely because of the way he showboats. He’s developed his game in every aspect since TUF but, every time he tweaks his nipples or grabs his nuts, he takes us right back to the Tom Murphy fight.
You’re wrong about Big Nog though. Looking past Mir wasn’t “disrespectful”, it was taking something for granted. Those are two completely different things.
When he first did it I was a little pissed but then I watched it again and thought it was funny. Kissed glove, hand to nuts then a solid left right across the face.
Spyder — It was funny the moment I saw it. C’mon, he was fighting Forrest Griffin, the funniest man in MMA. Does anyone think think Forrest didn’t get a chuckle out of it? What’s really funny is that Forrest Griffin obviously didn’t think anything of it, yet all the keyboard warriors come out of the woodwork with their ridiculous self-righteousness.
I don’t think it was that big a deal, before and after the fights he’s most always respectful with what he says about his opponents’.. he does momentary things immediately before during or after the fight while he’s pumped up… he’s been doing it since TUF, he’s 90% class, 10% Trash… not a big deal.
I was rooting for Forrest to win this fight. With that being said, I don’t know why some people are making a big deal about Rashad grabbing his nuts. I think him doing it was a result of being caught in a “competitive moment.” Remember, these are two guys hitting, kicking, and grappling with each other-IT’S A FUCKING FIGHT!!! Making a big deal about a guy grabbing his balls is so petty when you consider all the other questionable acts that have happened during a fight in MMA, or sports in general. I truley doubt that opponents of MMA will be using this in their arsenal to try and degrade and bring down the sport. When it happend, I was like “Look at this Mother Fucker” and was laughing. I thought it was funny. I’m sure deep down inside Forrest did too. I seem to remember Reggie Miller doing the same to Spike Lee in a Pacers/Knicks playoff game years back at The Garden-and Lee wasn’t even in the game-and that didn’t give basketball a black eye or anything. If a guy grabbing his balls makes you that uptight, then maybe MMA, or baseball for that matter since those guys seem to do it on a regular basis, is not for you. Much ado about nothing.
I don’t take any major offense to it, but I should point out that the “It’s a fight” argument is a little flawed IMO. It’s a sport. You are trying to defeat your opponent while following a set of rules. If was just a fight, anything would go, cock kisses, groin shots, and biting. Fights can be ugly things. However, MMA is a beautiful thing and I enjoy when it’s held in a respectable light. Even when blood is everywhere and there’s a brutal stoppage, there’s a since that they are noble gladiators. The antics blow that image. It bothers some more than others.
Well since what they were competing in is called a “fight” (like when someone says say “Hey, did you see the Griffin/Evans fight”), I don’t see how it is flawed. An educated, rational thinking person would know and understand the difference between two guys just duking it out and two trained mixed martial artist competing in a sanctioned sport. My point was that making an issue about guy grabbing his nuts is petty compared to a lot of things other fighters as well as other professional athletes have done before.
There’s a nuance here. I don’t have a problem with the term “fight.” It’s the incinuation that any behavior goes. That opinion falls more in line with at street fight than a respectible sport IMO. That’s the point. That’s why I said “flawed IMO.” I’m very highly educated (4.0 Engineering dork actually) so I didn’t miss your point. You may have missed mine. Anway, saying somehting is flawed is a lot different than saying your wrong or out of line. Many good ideas are flawed. The “IMO” was to point out that it’s a matter of perspective. From mine, that’s how I see it.
Im fed up of hear people saying that its nothing in comparison. This is not a comparison, its a discussion about a particular action.
Under that logic, anything below the most unprofessional, humiliating and dangerous act is reasonable?
I mea, i once saw a rugby match where a player intentionally high tackled (more like close lined) another player, and broke the players back in the process. I suppose then you’re right, its petty in comparison… pff.
Ok, so who did Rashad’s actions hurt? Do you really think the UFC’s sale of tickets or PPV’s will decrease? Are they going to lose fans because of what Rashad did? Do you think the sport is going to become unsanctioned by the NSAC or any other state athletic commisions? If anything more people will view because they want to see him lose. Rashad grabbing his nuts is no worse than Dana saying fuck every other word in almost interview that he does. Damn, you would think fans of MMA weren’t so sensitive or easily offended.
Punch: your “flawed” opinion is noted.
Lets all aspire to throw the F-Bomb in every sentence. Moreover, lets go look for that special girl with the tattoo on her lower back? You know the one who has slept with all your buddies. Perfect. Lets all aspire to have no standards.
Dude, there is a big difference between having standards and being sensitive. People can grab their balls all day – it’s their preference. Just dont be surprised when the flies start to swarm.
Mex, image matters in a sport like this. Rahad’s actions, by themselves, are of course trivial. It’s the compilation of many actions of multiple classless fighters that can have an impact on the image of the sport with new fans. I wasn’t offended and I’m definitely not sensitive. I fought MMA for two years. We we’re always very respectful of one another and it was a great time in my life. It was something I was proud to be a part of. So it’s my perspective. I also spent six years as a military officer so conducting yourself with honor is thing of mine. Also, read my post below. I’m luke warm about the issue really. you seem a little pissy. But I guess that’s the point of these things.
When I first got into this sport, I was impressed by the respect the fighters showed to each other before, during and after the fight. I thought it was cool how they congratulated each other win or lose. Just like during my Rugby days all I wanted to do was rip the other guys apart, but after the game we hung out and drank beer together.
Seeing Rashad pulling that shit pissed me off knowing he would represent the UFC as a champ or chump.
Kinda hard to not take him seriously at this point eh bud!!!! He’s the champ, he destroys whoever is infront of him, he finishes fights. He does not win by luck or by fluke he wins convincingly just ask the poor buggers that get the next 90 days off do to concusions. When he beat Brad Imes people should have taken notice, I know Imes is a bum but he is a huge bum that did not go out without a fight, Rashad really imoressed in that fight and since then its just been a trail of bodies left behind him. You dont have to like him but you need to acknowledge that he is one bad MOFO!!!!
I feel like Rashad is disrespecting the sport. But, thats just my opinion…He should go box if he wants to dance around the ring and show-boat.
It looks like that because he is on another level, he makes fights look easy because they are for him, as soon as someone can take him down and make him work Im sure he will rise to the occasion. It looks cocky and easy because it is, I would love to See him fight Machida, two undefeateds going at it sweet. Im pretty sure that Lyoto would end up just like the rest………FETAL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CAGE!!!! No disrespect to Lyoto I like him he has tons of skill and heart.
that would be the track meet of the century.
so Rashad makes fights look easy by loosing until he gets the KO or TKO like in his…oh yea….2 fights!!! Before that he went to a lame decision with Bisping the 185er lol.
Honestly you cant say that, I dont think we have ever even seen Rashad in trouble in a fight before. A few furious exchanges but has he ever been wobbley or out for a second or even been close to being submitted before. I dont think I have seen it, someone refresh my memory.
I suppose you can look at this as funny (and it is in some ways) and part of the Psychological warfare that goes on with fighters. I tend to respect the guy who can hold it together in those moments without disrespecting a competitor like that(is that kipling?). What is next? – Shard T-Bags Forrest in guard??? All I am saying is that I love the art of the sport and if things like this become part of the culture it becomes harder to bring in younger participants and the general masses. Some speak of the hypocrisy of Rampage, how about the hypocrisy of Anderson Silva with his pre and post gestures of respect and his blatant lack of it in battle.
listen the person who can’t understand this has probably never competed or been in a sport.. trash talk and things like that are a part of sports it’s fun and makes it more interesting! there’s no disrespect in putting on a show right.. no need for excuses Rashad!
I competed in football and there is a TON of trashtalk on the line and everything else, but I was the kinda guy who couldnt stand it when people were talking trash. It literally made me want to smash them. Trash talk is great because there always has to be a bad guy, but I will never route for someone doing stupid crap like that in a fight. If I saw Chuck grtabbing his nuts in a fight and blowing kisses, I would no longer be a fan of his and I consider him to be my favorite fighter.
yea but you understand, and everybody does not have to be a fan of it, but most ppl will react about it either in a good or bad way and that is the point of doing it.. It just takes the competition to another level and that’s it!
Too many people here with sand in their Vag
Just a thought but I would love to see Forrest cut down to 185. Someone like him could Silva a run for his money in a division that is running dry with title contenders. Reljic did it and he’s bigger than Forrest and he would’ve killed Leites. Now Leites is getting a title shot. Leites doesn’t stand a chance against Silva, but someone like Forrest or Reljic definitely has better chances of taking down the champ.
Kid, never go full retarded.
Hahahah…. Dustin Hoffman sound retard look retarded but not retarded
Forrest won’t and can’t cut down to 185. I would also like to see this fight but It would be best fought at 205, and would be much more likely to happen at 205.
Goran is not bigger than Forrest and i think it would be interesting to see Reljic at 185 cause something tells me that he will be too small and weak because of the weight cut.
Never gonna happen. Forrest supposedly walks round at like 230-235.
It wasn’t a nut grab Mania. It was a special warrior dick kiss. Anyway, it bugged me when he did it, but It’s bugged me less as I’ve watched it again. I think those of us who believe in being classy as a fighter should probably abandon the hope that everyone will act like GSP, Arlovski, Cotoure, etc. There’s no more antics in MMA than in other sports aside from golf, tennis, and other gentlmen’s sports. I would love it if class came standard, especially since the sport is new and I think it would go a long way to getting it sanctioned and respected in more areas, but it’s not everyone’s nature. I don’t think stuff like this is worth hating Rashad over, but I hope the majority of the guys remain respectful. So I guess that means I have a small sprinkle of sand in my Vag, but nothing to summer’s eve over.
Punch You in the Ovaries — I think the “respect” fantasy is something we “hardcore” fans have invented. Yet, these guys actually fight for a living and put bread on their tables by it. As far as classiness, there again it is simply a moving target, and it means different things to different people. Did anyone notice that Rampage went back to check on Wanderlei? They supposedly “hated” each other, yet Rampage shows class by checking with his downed opponent. Instead, a bunch of folks were talking about the two supposed “extra” strikes that Rampage got off in the span of a half second (i.e. before the ref separated them).
WHO CARES WHAT RASHAD DID!!! it was funny, matt hughes whined about him showboating on TUF, but look at rashad now, has any other champ gotten the belt while undefeated like rashad…i like forrest but stop crying ppl….rashad’s funny and entertaining to watch
I just don’t see the humor in it. However, I liked Mir’s line to Brock though. “Maybe this time he’ll get out of the first round”. When he said that, my friend shouted “BURN!!”…lol. I think Mir’s gonna eat his words though. I don’t see him beating Brock again. Of course I (along with many others) also said there was no plausible scenario that Mir could beat Nog. And boy were we wrong.
Rashad is not funny. He is an idiot. I would love to see anyone just cripple his a$$ in the ring so we don’t have to see him again.
yes he is funny, it’s guys like Matt hughes that carries himself like an ass and is being a dick 99% of the time.. Rashad is all class country boys like Hughes not so much.
rashad thinks class is a place where you go for some book learnin
Brian — Purely a matter of perspective. What’s hilarious to me is that so many other fighters have done other things, yet somehow Rashad’s is so much worse (in their minds).
As long as he doesn’t grab his opponents nuts, I guess it’s ok! lol
let machida fight this guy…it’d be a very boring fight but at least machida would hand him his first loss.
Maybe this is a good thing afterall. It creates a “bad guy” for some of us. I mean, it’s weird for me to watch Henderson vs Franklin because I don’t want either guy to lose. But it’s a blast for me to watch Brock and Rashad because I can boo and hiss.
Maybe we should just all agree to disagree…some of us are pissed about Rashad’s antics and others don’t mind.
Also, I think Rampage is ducking Rashad….if it was anyone else, Rampage would be calling for the title shot. WTF is up with that?
a brotha doesn’t want to fight another brotha..
Good thing Brock didn’t do that wouldn’t ever hear the end of that.
Rashad is an ape
I don’t know about that….but here is the reason…..When you act like this in the ring you disrespect the other fighter. Now if there is bad blood or if the other fighter is an a$$ then i have no problem with it…but Forrest was nothing but respectful before, during, and after. The big problem is that is was during the fight. After you win of course you deserve to celebrate a little but not during. Tito, Hughes, Tank, all eventually got their beatings and the world was right again. Rashad’s is coming…..I hope.
Who the fuck cares? Seriosly, so what if the guy blows a kiss and touches his dick. As long as what he does doesn’t interfere with putting on good fights than I’m fine. I could care less if he showboats.
apparently some of us do. by the way cursing shows your limited vocabulary. good job!
the man walks around in a goddamn suit before and after the show (all class) and when he’s in the fight he decides to play with Forrest for a second after he took all Forrest had to offer.. what is the problem with that? Brian are you 7 yrs old?
wow you cursed too. hey pacman jones walks around in a suit. is he your hero too? who else have we seen in suits……Vick, OJ, Tito, Chris Henry, Hey wait a minute………………………………………………………………………..I just went over to my nieghbors farm. He has a mule. I put a suit on it. Guess what? It was still an a$$. Just a well dressed one. NUTHUGGIN IS A HORRIBLE THING.
I luv the replay from behind Forrest, you see the smile, the kiss, the hand to nuts and then in the same motion hits Forrest across the face with a left I believe. Its the same as a football player doing some crazy dance after a big hit or touchdown. Same as in Basketball when a game does a slam dunk which I think is stupid cause a dunk isnt special everyone can do it (god I hate basketball, its so over rated). Or a hockey player doing the “whos got the belt baby” thing after a fight.