It is now official, Lyoto Machida will be facing Rashad Evans for the light-heavyweight championship belt on May 23 replacing the Frank Mir vs. Brock Lesnar bout that was scrapped due to a Frank Mir knee injury. The UFC made it official on their website today fin a release that included this quote from UFC president Dana White.

“With 32 wins and no losses between them, this may end up being one of the most memorable UFC title fights of all time,” said UFC President Dana White. “Neither guy has learned how to lose yet, and I’m interested to see if Rashad is the first fighter to figure out Machida’s style, as well as if Machida can withstand the striking power and wrestling of Rashad. The winner of this one is truly the best 205 pounder on the planet.”

While it is true that the winner will be considered one of the best of all time, this is not the match-up that the UFC brass had hoped for. With the smack talk that followed Jackson's victory over Evan's teammate Keith Jardine a Jackson vs. Evans fight would have been a more marketable match-up and would surely have sold more PPV buys. As it is, two undefeated fighters will face off and after May 23 only one of the two will remain undefeated.

The full card is as follows. 

Rashad Evans vs. Lyoto Machida

Matt Huges vs. Matt Serra

Yushin Okami vs. Dan Miller

Sean Sherk vs. Frankie Edgar

James Irvin vs. Drew McFedries

Phillipe Nover vs. Kyle Bradley

Pat Berry vs. Tim Hague

Houston Alexander vs. Andre Gusmao

Yoshiyuki Yoshida vs. Brandon Wolff

Dave Kaplan vs. George Roop