To get hype going for the up-coming UFC 98 event, the UFC released the press conference call from Evans, Machida, Hughes and Serra.

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans:

Question to Rashad Evans: A lot of fighters say the hardest part of the sport is keeping that belt. Is there any difference in your mentality now that you're the guy hunted versus the guy doing the hunting?

Rashad Evans: Honestly, I feel the same. I am actually the underdog going into this fight. So it feels like business as usual.

Question to Rashad Evans: Yeah, about being the underdog. You are currently a nine-to-five underdog. That is a bit surprising given that you are the champion. Are you insulted by that and do you derive any motivation from that?

Rashad Evans: I don't take it personal. It doesn't really matter to me either way. It is not first time I have been the underdog. I haven't lost yet so...

Question to Rashad Evans: How significant do you think this fight is for MMA given the fact that I can't remember the last time their was a title fight where neither fighter has been beaten?

Rashad Evans: Winning the fight will certainly be an accomplishment. So yeah, you can think it is a big deal. But when I go into a fight, I don't worry about whether I am undefeated or not. At the end of the day, it's just another fight. I am just trying to win that one fight.

Question to Rashad Evans: Fans saw a turning point in your career with the Liddell knockout and you solidified your spot as an elite light heavyweight when you beat Forrest Griffin and took the belt. Did you feel an internal turning out or have you always felt that you're an elite fighter?

Rashad Evans: I always felt like I was on an elite level and it is just a matter of performing up to that level. Sometimes you go out there and you may feel like you're going to have a great performance and sometimes you feel like "Damn, I sucked today." You never know what fights are going to be put together and how you might feel on fight day. My last two fights, I had great performances. I'm going to keep putting those performance together; keep my mindset.

Question to Rashad Evans: When you fight an opponent you usually find a reference point for their biggest vulnerability. With Machida, no one has really been to exploit any weaknesses. What problems have that presented in terms of game planning?

Rashad Evans: It doesn't present problems. Watching someone fight and breaking them down, sometimes the best ammunition is just knowing what you can do well and seeing that you'll be able to do that. So, I am not worried about game planning at all.

Question to Rashad Evans: After Keith Jardine's fight with Rampage Jackson, you and Jackson had a confrontation in the ring. After that fight he had to have surgery. Was there a part of you that wanted Rampage next because he beat your friend and you had that confrontation in the cage?

Rashad Evans: I definitely wanted to fight him but I actually think Lyoto is more deserving of the title shot; I think he is a better fight then Rampage Jackson. He has done more to get the shot; either way I want to fight the best.