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Chuck Liddell is predicting a knockout victory when he meets Rashad Evans at UFC 88 after casting doubt on whether Evans has the takedown skills to get him on the mat.

Former world light-heavyweight title holder Liddell meets the previously unbeaten Evans in Atlanta next month, with the winner almost sure to earn a title shot against current champ Forrest Griffin.

Liddell and Evans were scheduled to meet in London in June but Liddell was forced to pull out after tearing his hamstring in training.

"I was looking forward to fighting in England, but got hurt," Liddell said.

"Evans is a very different type of challenge because he is very fast, goes for takedowns, and has a mentality to try and take the fight into his comfort zone.

"I won't allow him to do that, I'll pressure him for three rounds if I have to but I think I'll knock him out."

Evans, a former collegiate wrestler for Michigan State and the winner on the second season of The Ultimate Fighter, last fought in November 2007 when he won a split decision against Michael Bisping.

And although unbeaten, his other victories in the Octagon have come over Brad Imes, Sam Hoger, Stephan Bonnar, Jason Lambert and Sean Salmon - hardly top-class opponents.

"I think I'll get to him. I have real doubts about his shot (takedown); I think he won't be able to take me down. He had a hard time taking Bisping down in his last fight, and I'm known for stopping shots. "

Liddell, who held the belt for more than two years being dethroned by Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson at UFC 71, believes a win against Evans should earn him the chance to fight Griffin for the belt - a chance he feels he deserved after his epic victory against old foe Wanderlei Silva at UFC 79 nine months ago.

"I figured because I held the title for so long, I would be getting a title shot after I beat Silva but for whatever reason it didn't work out that way.

"So after this fight I want the title shot, yeah. I was asked about fighting Forrest when he won the Ultimate Fighter three years ago, and I said he's not ready and I'd beat him up.

"But he's ready now and it would be a great fight."

UFC 88 will be broadcast live at 3am on Sunday, September 7, and repeated at 10pm. Tickets for UFC 89 in Birmingham in October are available now .

Alex Sharratt / Eurosport