Tense weigh-in stare down gives no clue as to who is the favorite in main event.
If the fans have any say who they think will win the main event at UFC 161, it will be Dan Henderson with a first round knockout.
The former PRIDE and Strikeforce champion was the clear favorite as the fighters faced off for the final time before their bout in Winnipeg, Canada.
Henderson took to the stage first and came in on weight at 204lbs with the 42-year-old showered by cheers.
That was opposed to the former UFC light heavyweight champion Evans, who copped a healthy dose of boos from the large crowd.
For both men the fight could either be their ticket back to the top of Dana White’s list of contenders in the division, or a fast-track to retirement.
Henderson is coming off a lethargic loss to Lyoto Machida, where he was frustrated by Brazilians statics of fighting on the outside, but the former champ says he feels confident about his chances in his 39th pro fight.
Evans is looking to snap a two-fight losing streak, the longest of his professional career, after being beaten by Jon Jones and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira.
For the fighter nicknamed ‘Sugar’, the chance to fight Henderson is a career goal with Evans stating before the bout that his opponent is one of his favorite mixed martial artists to watch thrown down in the UFC.
But whether that admiration clouds his mindset when he faces him across the Octagon remains one of the biggest questions yet to be answered.
UFC 161 complete weigh in
MAIN CARD
Rashad Evans (206) vs. Dan Henderson (204)
Stipe Miocic (243) vs. Roy Nelson (260)
Ryan Jimmo (206) vs. Igor Pokrajac (206)
Alexis Davis (134) vs. Rosi Sexton (135.5)
Pat Barry (245) vs. Shawn Jordan (248)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Jake Shields (171) vs. Tyron Woodley (171)
James Krause (155.5) vs. Sam Stout (156)
Sean Pierson (170.5) vs. Kenny Robertson (170.5)
Roland Delorme (136) vs. Edwin Figueroa (135)
Mitch Clarke (155.5) vs. John Maguire (155)
Yves Jabouin (136) vs. Dustin Pague (135.5)
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