Ryan Bader Vows to Defeat Rashad Evans; UFC 192 Predictions, Fight Details, News & Rumors Here!

It would have been sweeter for Ryan Bader had he gotten the chance to face off against Daniel Cormier but apparently all that will have to wait.

Instead, Bader will have to focus on his match against a former champion in Rashad Evans, something that will take place at UFC 192.

Bader felt that a match between him and Cormier would have been something fans would want to see, especially considering that both fighters have a colourful past. This includes a heated exchange that took place during the UFC 187 post press conference where both almost came to blows.

The incident came after Cormier defeated Anthony Jones via submission at UFC 187.

With the brewing bad blood between them, Bader was sort of expecting to get a shot at the title. Unfortunately another fighter got the nod against DC –Alexander Gustaffson.

Admittedly, Bader was a bit surprised with the match-up. He gave UFC president Dana White a call and tried to plead his case. Despite his plea, White explained that the Cormier vs. Gustaffson tiff will push through.

With that said, Bader seems to have moved on and now he is focusing on his scheduled opponent, Rashad ‘Suga’ Evans.

Suga hasn’t fought in over a year after a knee injury. Ironically, Evans was supposed to face Cormier too before he went down with it.

For Bader, he is heading into the match with a goal – to come out with an impressive win and hopefully gain another chance at possibly vying for the title, regardless of who wins that tiff.

“At the end of the day my goal is the belt. I’m happy to fight whoever wins that fight” says Bader during an interview with Submission Radio.

Heading into the match, Bader is keeping an open mind on how fit and healthy Evans would be in his scheduled return to the Octagon. With Evans continuously plagued by knee injuries, his overall health is put into question.

However, Bader is wise to the fact that Suga would not be making a return if he was indeed not shape or fit to compete.

“Honestly, I’m surprised if he shows up,” Bader said. “If you’re not training for two years your body isn’t used to that, the rigors of a training camp and what you have to put it through to be in peak physical condition.