Eagle FC 44 results: Rashad Evans makes successful return from retirement with dominant win over Gabriel Checco

Rashad Evans is back and the UFC Hall of Famer can now celebrate a win following a dominant showcase in the Eagle FC 44 co-main event.

Out of action since 2018 when he announced his retirement, Evans returned on Friday night and looked rejuvenated while using a wrestling heavy attack to outgrapple Gabriel Checco round after round until ultimately securing a unanimous decision victory. When the fight was over, all three judges scored the fight 30-27 with Evans getting his first win since 2013.

“Action happened fast and before I knew it, I was just in the fight,” Evans said afterwards. It was that instant when it felt like this was really happening. It felt like a dream.”

As Evans tried to find his feet after almost four years, Checco began hitting Evans with a series kicks to both the legs and to the body. After Checco caught Evans’ kick, Evans turned the tide and sent him back to the ground.

Once the fight was on the floor, Evans was methodical with his approach while peppering away at Checco and maintaining control to ensure he would stay on top. Evans was relentless in his pursuit of his opponent, despite Checco’s attempts to get him to submit.

Following a strong opening round, Evans’ confidence was surging as he brought Checco back to the ground again and this time he was really starting to hammer away with his punches. Although Checco tried to make it as easy as possible, Evans continued his patience until he was able to escape.

With five minutes left, Evans hit Checco with an inside punch in the early exchnage. This led to another takedown. Evans continued to be relentless in his ground-and-pound, throwing punches both to the head and to the knees.

Evans never slowed down while Checco just looked stuck on the bottom until the final bell finally rang out.

Prior to the event, Evans said he was taking his comeback one fight at a time but it appears after knocking off the ring rust and getting a win that he’s ready to stay active with plans to return again.

“I feel like I need to get into a little bit better shape but I’m hoping,” Evans said. “I’m ready to roll. [Khabib Nurmagomedov], I’m ready baby, just put me in again. You’ll see a difference in my health and ability to perform better .