UFC light heavyweight stars Rashad “Suga” Evans and Lyoto “The Dragon” Machida will put their undefeated records at stake when they clash on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in UFC 98: Evans vs. Machida.

Evans, the UFC light heavyweight champion, will defend his title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Lyoto is very tough, probably one of the toughest challengers in the 205 weight class,” Evans told Ufc.com.

“He has loads of talent and is very tricky,” added the American born in Niagara Falls, New York. He is fighting out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The 29-year-old has18 wins with one draw. In 2008, he knocked out Forrest Griffin in UFC 92 and Chuck Liddell in UFC 88.

“Suga” said his favorite grappling technique is kimura while the left hook is his favorite striking technique.

Ufc.com noted that Evan’s strengths are takedown defense and takedowns.

Machida, meantime, specializes in karate. He is a two-time Brazilian karate champion.

“The Dragon,” who hails from Belem, Brazil, said that Evans is a “strong athlete.”

“From what I have seen, he seems to be a complete fighter,” he also told Ufc.com.

Machida, 30, knocked out Thiago Silva in January at UFC 94. He won over Tito Ortiz in 2008’s UFC 84 via unanimous decision. His overall MMA record is 14-0.

Aside from the Evans vs. Machida main event, UFC 98 will also feature the match-up between Matt Serra and Matt Hughes.