EXCLUSIVE: Elias Theodorou Explains Rashad Evans Call Out

As his hot streak continues, Elias Theodorou would prefer to fight Rashad Evans, but wouldn't mind knocking off Dan Kelly. 

Evans and Kelly are scheduled for a bout on March 4th at UFC 209. Theodorou who fought on last week in Halifax, called out both Evans and Kelly after his win over Cezar Ferreira. He cited his respect for both men as why he would want to fight them. On his weekly appearance on Fightful MMA's podcast, Theodorou went into further explanation with host "Showdown Joe" Ferraro about why he called out those two fighters. 

"I specifically wanted Rashad Evans, he's a name, he's someone I very much respect, Ultimate Fighter winner. He's entering my division and I wanted to welcome him to it. Obviously Dan Kelly beat me to the punch, Dan has also put up a three fight win streak, very impressive win streak. I think he's only has one loss to his name, just like myself he's only had one bad day at work, and we were two people that sized each other up. I don't think he has any animosity to me, I think he didn't like my personality too much and I think he wouldn't lose too sleep over punching me in the face.We both have mutual respect for each other, don't take anything from that, but I would love to take on the winner. The person I really want is Rashad Evans, but if Dan Kelly beats him he has all my respect going into this, he would have even more going out and I would love to fight the man that beat Rashad Evans at Middleweight," said Theodorou. 

Evans won the second season of "The Ultimate Fighter," before becoming UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Kelly and Theodorou competed on "The Ultimate Fighter Nations: Canada vs Australia", which Theodorou won.  Kelly and Evans square off at UFC 209 in Las Vegas. Among the topics on the podcast Theodorou would discuss the rest of the UFC Halifax card, his bet with a fan about a tattoo, and George St- Pierre's return to UFC. 

Theodorou appears on Fightful MMA's podcast on Tuesdays and the podcasts also feature guest hosts like Frank Trigg and Sean Pierson.