Rashad Evans Instagram – The morning of July 16, 2008, I walked into Jackson Winkeljohn MMA to meet and document Rashad Evans for a few days. His manager at the time, Jervis Cole set this up, so I had no idea what to expect as Rashad and I never talked but @GeorgesStPierre spoke so highly of him, I knew he was good people.
Before I even set my bag down, Rashad walks up to me and says.. “Good Morning, you look a little lost. You must be Eric Williams. Welcome to the home of the Jackson 5, I’m Rashad. You met Greg, so make yourself at home as training is about to start. I’ll introduce you as we move around. You can shoot wherever, just no shoes on the mat and if you’re hungry, we’ll get some food after training’s over.”
He alternates his warm up between @GeorgesStPierre, @KeithJardine, @AliAbdelaziz, @AjarnPhilNurse, @JulesK_Fighter, @Roger_Huerta and @Mike.VanArsdale. It was so surreal because the combined level of skill in that room was insane.
At that time I’m a year into working in MMA so I was still learning how to jump right into a new training environment. Rashad picked up on that and he started teaching me how to move, both in the front and behind the scenes of MMA. Along with being a phenomenal athlete, he had a leadership quality and a level of patience I had not experienced in the sport.
He taught me how to spot championship level talent, made introductions and put me in rooms that had no doors, showed me what it was to be a great father, what traps to avoid and he’s been my big brotha’, from another mother ever since.
I’ve documented his growth to the highest heights in his MMA career, watched him stumble, fall, take steps back and resurface better than ever and he’s always led by example. Never with an ego.
From being the 1st UFC fighter to wear a suit to a press conference, the 1st black fighter to win the Ultimate Fighter, a UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, a FOX Sports and ESPN analyst to his physique and kick being used to create the @FightersOnly MMA Award, he’s been a trailblazer and inspiration in every respect.
I’m proud to know you and have you as a Big Brotha’ Rashad.
Let’s keep it going. | Posted on 24/Jan/2024 01:25:51
