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Rashad Evans is spoiling for a fight. The unbeaten light-heavyweight has not seen action since November, with injuries to possible opponents playing havoc with his schedule.

Evans' wait will be over Sept. 6 in Atlanta when the mixed martial arts fighter, winner of Season 2 of "The Ultimate Fighter" reality TV show, faces off against MMA icon and former champion Chuck (The Iceman) Liddell at UFC 88.

"A lot of unfortunate circumstances happened. But it only makes you stronger as a fighter," Evans said of his recent bumpy road. "It tests your will.

"I've been training since, man, since the beginning of the year. I've been training for a while for this fight."

Initially Evans (16-0-1) was preparing for a May bout with Brazilian Thiago Silva. Then he was brought in to replace the injured Mauricio (Shogun) Rua against Liddell at UFC 85 in London on June 7. But that fell by the wayside when Liddell tore his hamstring training in April. James (The Sandman) Irvin was brought in as a replacement opponent but then broke his foot.

"Roller-coaster, man," said Evans. "It's just been crazy. ... It's kind of disheartening at times.

"You just have to constantly readjust your focus and keep your eyes on the prize and know that it's just a business. Sometimes it's like that."

Evans eventually dropped off the UFC 85 bill totally, taking a two-week break to rest his body.

Then it was back to training - and biding bided his time until Liddell (21-5) was healthy again.

The Iceman could be a case of 'be careful of what you wish for' for the 28-year-old Evans, who at five foot 11 is smaller, less experienced and perhaps shorter on firepower than the six-foot-two Iceman - although the UFC, in pumping up the bout, instead refers to Evans as "younger, faster and undefeated." But a win over the 38-year-old Liddell would vault Evans towards the front of the line of 205-pound contenders.

Evans hopes his youth, strength and explosiveness "will put him (Liddell) to the test."

Liddell, however, has knockout power in both fists and feet and, as a counter puncher, loves opponents who come at him.

He also has one of the best takedown defences in the business and rarely leaves his feet.