With UFC 114 nearing, it’s hard to believe that the verbal tirades between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and “Sugar” Rashad Evans almost never happened. As the heated rivalry grew during the taping of The Ultimate Fighter 10, their eventual bout became one of the most anticipated of the year. After a long delay due to Jackson’s role in the upcoming film, the A-Team, the fight will finally commence on May 29 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Yet, the pairing of Jackson and Evans on TUF 10 wasn’t the organization’s first choice. Lyoto Machida was initially considered to coach opposite Jackson on the show, but the Brazilian’s underdeveloped English skills was perceived as a potential problem. As such, Evans stepped in and the animosity started almost immediately.

“I would have preferred to have done The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) against Machida to fix the problem back in the day, from square one, just ‘X’ Rashad out because he don’t got the damn belt, but Machida’s English is not so good so I get stuck having to fight Rashad and he’s all cocky thinking he did something good because he’s on The Ultimate Fighter but like dude, you just got knocked the hell out! You’re on The Ultimate Fighter by default because the dude that knocked you out don’t speak English bro. Don’t be coming here acting like that. This is the type of thing I’m dealing with. It’s just annoying actually.”

Frustration aside, Jackson will have the opportunity to finally get his title shot, only this time against Mauricio “Shogun” Rua. However, he’ll have to get past Evans first.

UFC 114 will air on pay-per-view. Spike TV will broadcast select undercard bouts.

(Source: MMA Mania)