Rashad Evans Confident Chael Sonnen Can Become Champion

By Joseph Lisnow | March 06, 2013

Chael Sonnen might not be considered the favorite when he challenges Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight championship, but Rashad Evans has faith in him.

"Chael's my boy and I think he's gonna put on a good show for TUF," said Evans to Fight Hub TV. "Jon gets a chance to try and smash somebody that was talking a lot of trash. I'm definitely confident in [Chael's] ability to compete. If he takes him down and mauls him it could be a very competitive fight."

Evans is familiar with Jones, losing to him at UFC 145. The two were friends and teammates before their encounter.

Sonnen and Jones can be seen coaching as opposing coaches on The Ultimate Fighter, which airs Tuesday's at 9 p.m. ET.

It will be Sonnen's return as a heavier fighter after spending 10 plus years as middleweight. Jones will look for his fifth championship defense, which would be a record in the division.

They headline UFC 159 from the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ on April 27.

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