Despite Sonnen's offer, Evans vs. Cormier rebooking targeted for UFC 172

Although UFC officials said the bout has been scrapped entirely after Rashad Evans (21-3-1 MMA, 14-3-1 UFC) suffered a leg injury and was forced out of next week’s UFC 170 co-headliner, at least one notable has offered to step up as a replacement.

With Daniel Cormier (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) now left without an opponent for next weekend’s pay-per-view card, Chael Sonnen (29-13-1 MMA, 7-6 UFC) said he’s willing to take the fight, which takes place at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Sonnen, citing Cormier’s “attitude,” said he’s apparently prepared enough for the fight:

.@dc_mma ya know I haven't been crazy about you attitude as of late. Daddy ain't ready, but he's ready enough. Feb 22 just say my name…—
chael sonnen (@sonnench) February 13, 2014

Again, UFC officials have already said the bout is scrapped, and the Feb. 22 event, which includes a headliner between UFC’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and fellow Olympian Sara McMann, will continue with 10 fights. But props to Sonnen, who’s currently in Brazil serving as a head coach on “The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil 3,” for appearing serious about the offer.

As for Cormier, a former heavyweight who was slated to make a long-awaited debut at light heavyweight at UFC 170, the Olympic wrestler was obviously disappointed. But like Sonnen, he wanted to salvage the fight.

In fact, he mentioned a few possible 205-pound opponents – including Sonnen and the returning Anthony Johnson – and even offered to fight a heavyweight.

I'm so sad, but I wanna fight. I've trained so hard. @sonnench, @Anthony_Rumble, anybody Maybe a heavyweight. Anyone please! @danawhite—
Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 13, 2014

Unfortunately, though, it appears no such scenario will happen on short notice. In fact, according to the L.A. Times’ Lance Pugmire, UFC CEO Lorenzo Ferttita wants to keep the Evans vs. Cormier fight intact and is likely to rebook it for UFC 172.

The event takes place April 26 at Maryland’s Baltimore Arena. UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira headline the PPV card. Coincidentally, Johnson also is booked for the card; he’s slated to fight 205-pound contender Phil Davis.

For the latest on UFC 170 and UFC 172, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.