· UFC 133 Adds Evans vs. Davis, Franklin vs. Nogueira

· Article author: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). Posted on 04/25 at 03:02 PM

The UFC has announced two pivotal light heavyweight fights for UFC 133 that could have major implications in the 205 pound title picture. With Jon Jones not able to compete, current number one contender Rashad Evans has agreed to face up-and-comer Phil Davis. In addition, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira is slated to face Rich Franklin. UFC 133 is expected to take place in Philadelphia, Penn., on August 6.

It has been nearly a year since Rashad Evans defeated his bitter rival Rampage Jackson in May 2010. He was scheduled to fight Mauricio "Shogun" Rua until an injury forced him out. His replacement, former teammate Jon Jones, defeated Rua, thus setting up Jones vs. Evans. With an injury keeping Jones out of the bout, Phil Davis comes in undefeated and the winner almost assuredly will face Jones when he's healthy.

"Undefeated 'Mr. Wonderful' Phil Davis has verbally agreed to face former UFC world light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans in Philadelphia on August 6," UFC President Dana White stated earlier today.

Evans lost his light heavyweight title to Lyoto Machida in May 2009 but has won back-to-back bouts against Thiago Silva and Rampage Jackson to earn another title shot. The Machida loss is the only one in his career. Meanwhile, Davis has won the first nine outings in his career including wins over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Rodney Wallace, and Brian Stann.

Also taking place at UFC 133 is a matchup between Nogueria and Franklin. Nogueira is coming off two consecutive losses for the first time in his career. Prior to losing to Ryan Bader and Phil Davis, he had won seven in a row. Franklin is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Forrest Griffin in February. He is just 2-3 in the past two years with wins over Wanderlei Silva and Chuck Liddell and losses to Dan Henderson, Vitor Belfort and the aforementioned Griffin.

Other bouts expected for this card include: