(This story appeared in today’s edition of USA TODAY .) Rashad Evans went to Winnipeg in search of lost swagger. The UFC went mostly because it had never been, and probably also because it knew that brand-new Canadian markets are almost a guaranteed sellout for the world’s foremost MMA organization. At least one of them got what they were looking for. Maybe both learned a lesson about managing expectations and meeting demand. No one can say Evans’ trip to the great white north wasn’t a success. Evans (18-3-1 MMA, 13-3-1 UFC) squeaked by Dan Henderson (29-10 MMA, 6-4 UFC) with a split-decision victory in the main event of UFC 161. But most important he ended a two-fight losing streak that began with his one-sided decision loss to light heavyweight champ Jon Jones more than a year ago.
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USA TODAY: Swagger recovery, and Rashad Evans’ possible new role after UFC 161 – MMA Junkie