Former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans has been on the sidelines since early in 2012, and it appears that he will not return until early in 2013.

Evans, appearing on UFC Tonight recently, said that the target date for his next fight is “not going to happen until maybe February or March.” He had hopes of returning in December, but that seems to be off the table now.

As for an opponent, Evans mentioned the man who handed him his first career defeat: Lyoto Machida.

“He looked good against (Ryan) Bader,” Evans said. “I want to get that one back, bad.”

Evans’ name has also been floated around as a possible challenger to UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva.

“I would,” said Evans, when asked if he would accept a bout with Silva if presented one. “That is just a big opportunity to fight Anderson. To get to fight him would be a dream come true for me.”

“Suga” during the same interview said he has “unfinished business” at light heavyweight and wants to remain fighting there.

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