Ryan Bader is facing Quinton Jackson tonight at UFC 144 in what was scheduled as a light heavyweight bout. Jackson missed weight by a pretty significant amount, coming in at 211 for the 205 pound bout. Ariel Helwani caught up with Bader after the weigh-ins to get his thoughts for Fuel TV:
Quotes after the jump but if you’re wondering how to check out the evening’s action, we’ve got you covered.
SBN coverage of UFC 144: Edgar vs. Henderson
On Jackson missing weight:
“You know, he came in pretty heavy. It wasn’t just a few pounds, you know? So it is what it is really. I’m not going to sit and dwell about it. I came all the way to Japan, I didn’t come to question somebody and go home. I came here to fight and to fight Rampage so that’s what we’re gonna do. I took the fight and we’re gonna fight.”
On i he ever debated backing out of the fight:
“No, you know? Like I said, I came all the way out here. I trained my butt off and went through a great camp. I feel ready now and now’s the time to go out there and win. And you know? Just had to talk it over a little bit and we took the fight immediately. There was no time we were ever saying we weren’t going to take it.”
On if he is is questioning Rampage’s motivation:
“Did he really take it that seriously? I’ll look back and see if he ever missed weight before. I don’t know if he has. But it kind of puts that in my mind. I want this. Does he?”