Ryan Bader has been campaigning for a 205-pound title shot for a year now. Should he get past Anthony Johnson at FOX 18 later this month, he will likely get his wish, said UFC president Dana White.
“Bader has been on a run; Bader’s wanted a shot at (Cormier),” White said on FOX Sports 1’s UFC Tonight. “If he can get through the monster, Anthony Johnson, his shot will be well-deserved.” (Transcription via MMA Junkie)
However, promises like this from the UFC’s head honcho always have to be treated with caution, ask Frankie Edgar oder Miesha Tate. Especially with a returning Jon Jon on the horizon, it seems highly questionable if Bader will receive the next shot at Daniel Cormier’s belt, should he really get a win over Johnson.
But he would undoubtedly deserve it.
The 32-year old TUF 8 winner hasn’t lost since 2013 and is currently ranked number four in the division, right behind Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson, who both already had their shots — and Jon Jones, of course. The former 205-pound champion announced his return last October and is eying a possible New York event in April.
UFC on FOX 18 takes place January 30 in Newark, New Jersey’s Prudential Center. Bader vs. Johnson will be the headlining bout of the evening.