I have a Rufflet and it has the full 42% link, but won't evolve no matter how much Ponigirl I give it or how much I battle with it.
Thats because you cant get it to evolve with that warrior. You have to get the Rufflet to have 119 Attack. To do this you need more link. Try a different warrior.
Source for rufflet evolution
Use This and This to figure out which warrior goes with witch Pokemon.