Ryan Bader may have missed out on a possible shot at Daniel Cormier’s UFC light heavyweight title but if his match against Rashad Evans at UFC 192 is any indication, the performance could earn him a shot soon.
Bader scored an impressive unanimous decision win over Evans at UFC 192 at the Toyota Center in Houston despite the fact that it was not the match he was looking for.
"People keep doubting me and calling me the 'easiest fight in the division,' but I keep running through them," Bader said via ESPN. "My mentality is different. I decided I wanted to be the champion of this sport, and that's what's driving me.
The match in mention is of course the one for all the marbles, the UFC title. He had hoped to be picked to face off against DC but the UFC opted to go with Alexander Gustaffson instead.
For those who are unaware, Gustaffson did put up a good show against Cormier despite losing via split decision to DC.
Could Bader be up next for Cormier? Well it could all depend on the UFC and the actual status of another fighter, Jon Jones.
A Cormier vs. Jones could be what the fans may want but no thanks to Bones’ legal issues outside the Octagon, seeing that happen could take a while.
In fact, it could depend on how well his legal issues are settled. That and of course his reinstatement from the UFC since Jones is on indefinite suspension.
Right now, the UFC is looking into the terms of Jones plea agreement and an update on Bones’ could be out in the coming days.
Jones was apparently watching the Cormier-Gustaffson fight and based on the word around, Jones has hinted of wanting back in. But the question now is when.
So while that is up in the air, Cormier has mentioned that he would carry out the responsibilities tied up with being champion. In all, his payback tiff with Jones can wait and apparently DC is willing to do just that.
With Jones seemingly out of the question right now, the opportunity could finally reward Bader a shot at the title. That is unless of course another name is suddenly inserted in the mix.
How about Anthony Johnson? Recall that it was Johnson that Cormier defeated, hence a rematch unlikely. That is until perhaps Johnson proves he deserves a rematch.
And the best bet to face for that honor could be no other than Bader. It could eventually end up as a no.1 contender match.
The plans for this could push through but again, it depends on another issue – the one involving the true status of Jon ‘Bones’ Jones.
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