UFC 130: Thiago Silva Out, Rashad Evans In Against Rampage Jackson?

This is kind of a bummer. Silva and Rampage made a great matchup, and I would have been perfectly fine with Evans vs. ‘Page II. Jackson typically does pretty well with dominant wrestlers, so I’m not sure how Hamill approaches this fight. Hamill’s brawling style isn’t going to get it done in this one.

Stay tuned to SB Nation MMA as more becomes available.

Now both Bodog.com and Sportsbook.com have offered odds on the potential bout. Most notably, they came to the exact same conclusion, making Evans the favorite and Jackson the underdog:

Rashad Evans -185

Quinton Rampage Jackson +155

Evans won their first meeting, but I actually think these odds are off. Aside from a third round scare, there’s no denying Evans did won handily. But that was a rusty, improperly prepared Rampage. I tend to think Jackson is back in something of a fighting groove and will be much more able to stop the takedowns or clinching from Evans.

Then “Showdown” Joe tweeted this:

While they can’t “confirm” it’s Silva, it appears to be him by a simple process of elimination. More as this story develops.

This story deserves to be properly updated.

Since then the story has taken a few twists.