After months and months of speculation, and nearly two full years away from action, Evan Tanner finally has an official date and opponent for his return to the UFC Octagon.
UFC Matchmaker Joe Silva confirmed yesterday that former UFC Middleweight Champion Evan Tanner will fight Yushin Okami this April. The fight is expected to take place at UFC 84 in Montreal, Canada.
Tanner’s time away from professional mixed martial arts has been well documented as he has faced off with personal demons while unsuccessfully attempting several comebacks.
Now Evan will face off against former number one middleweight contender Yushin Okami, a tough test for any fighter. Okami narrowly lost decision against Rich Franklin at UFC 72 and then returned with a unanimous decision victory against Jason Macdonald at UFC 77 in October. Okami is a very tough matchup for anyone, much less someone who has been away for active competition for two years.
I’m not sure if Tanner requested this fight or if this is the hand he was dealt by the UFC, but at this point, it looks to me like Tanner will return to action with a loss.
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I agree, it’s shame they threw him in Okami so quickly. I wonder if this nothing more than Okami’s title shot justification match?
I can’t see Evan winning this one either. It will be good to see him in action again but the UFC definetly didn’t do him any favors.
ya im with you guys.. it seems too fast, but consider this.. Maybe he wanted a relatively big payday and he wouldnt get that money fighting a can. I think thats what happened, leads me to believe that Evan is looking to pay some bills and not really interested in trying to secure his position in the MW div. I always thought he fit better at WW, especially considering the size of MW fighters these days..
I dont think hes looking to make a serious comeback, just to show face make a couple bucks then fade into the background again. Ofcoure i could be wrong..
What you guys think?
bv
agree… i think he needs serious help for his addiction…. hell get the payday and go back to the bottle….