It’s been 19 months since we have seen Rashad Evans compete in the Octagon, with the TUF season two winner and former UFC light heavyweight champion sidelined with injuries and two knee surgeries. Now, “Suga” is preparing himself for a comeback in September, and he already has his sights set on one particular opponent: TUF 8 winner Ryan Bader. MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani reported the news on Wednesday’s broadcast of UFC Tonight.
Bader currently rides a four-fight winning streak. He was orginally scheduled to face Daniel Cormier this Saturday at UFC Fight Night 68, but Cormier got pulled from the bout to replace suspended former champion Jon Jones against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187. Cormier won the fight and is now the new UFC light-heavyweight kingpin.
Bader made the case on several occasions that he should have been the one challenging Johnson for the belt, and now wants the first crack at the new champ. However, Dana White already announced Alexander Gustafsson as Cormier’s next challenger, leaving Bader still without a high-profile opponent.
A win over Bader could catapult Evans directly back into title contention. If he can make his proposed return date in September, that would be a long wait for Bader though, who hasn’t been competing since a January win over Phil Davis.
There is no word yet, from either Bader himself or UFC brass, if this matchup is going to happen or not.