Rashad Evans Back at Light Heavyweight, Faces Anthony Smith at UFC 225

Former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans is going back to 205 pounds for his next fight where he’ll take on Anthony Smith at UFC 225 in Chicago on June 9.

UFC officials confirmed the matchup via ESPN on Monday.

Evans returns to light heavyweight after dropping his past two fights in the middleweight division where he was hoping to find a fresh start. Evans has gone 0-4 overall in his past four fights so the former champion will undoubtedly feel that he’s in a do or die situation for his next bout in June.

As for Smith, he will also be moving up to 205 pounds after spending most of his career as a middleweight.

Smith has gone 4-2 in his most recent stint with the UFC but a tough weight cut to get down to 185 pounds took its toll on him and so now he’s moving up to light heavyweight instead.

Evans vs. Smith is the latest addition to the card in Chicago with a main event still to be determined. UFC officials are reportedly looking at potentially adding two title fights to the card but no announcements have been made.