"One thing to remember is Rashad is instrumental in this whole Jackson phenomenon starting. Without Rashad, who knows if it ever would have happened? He was one of the first guys to come in from out of town and join the team. And he was a guy who, when the sport was growing, he was winning fights and everybody was looking at him as he was getting better. People were calling Rashad up and he was bringing people to town, and without him, who knows if any of that would have ever happened? Without Rashad Evans, maybe this Jackson's phenomena never happens."
"You know, I haven't thought about it too much, but no question I would be supporting Rashad," Jardine said. "He's one of my closest friends in the world. I have a lot of loyalty and friendship with him."
"It'll never be the same, you know? This gym, when the UFC broke out in 2005, was built on me, Rashad, Nate Marquardt, Joey Villasenor and Diego Sanchez. Nate's going to stay in Denver most the time now. That's sort of like the old generation, and they're welcoming the future with Jon Jones, and that's kind of where it is right now. For me, there's no hard feelings; it's just business."
Jackson Teammate Keith Jardine talks about the history of Rashad Evans at Team Jackson as well as the implications of his departure with ESPN. If Evans was instrumental in building the most recognizable brand in MMA training one might think that there would be a sense of loyalty in regards to the former champ and his trainers. However with a new champ crowned under the banner, it appears as if the line has been drawn and Rashad stands opposite of the former team he helped create and in his place, the new champ of the 205 division Jon Jones. Will this start a trend in the UFC that will put teammate vs teammate in the future?
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