It’s not exactly the fight Ryan Bader (pictured) was hoping for, but he’s getting it anyways. On Wednesday, it was announced Bader will headline UFC on FOX New Jersey opposite former light heavyweight top contender Anthony Johnson.
The announcement was made on today’s edition of “UFC Tonight.”
Bader has rattled off five straight wins and was hoping October’s unanimous decision over former champion Rashad Evans was good enough to secure next dibs at the throne. Despite his beef with current champ Daniel Cormier, the UFC appears to be headed towards handing Jon Jones an immediate title shot after stripping Jones of his belt following April’s felony hit-and-run arrest.
It is believed Bader would earn top contender status with a victory over Johnson.
Johnson, meanwhile, bounced back nicely from losing to Corimer for Jones’ vacated strap by knocking out Jimi Manuwa in September. “Rumble” has won 10 of his last 11 bouts and remains one of the division’s most dangerous opponents.
The January 30 event will take place in Newark, likely inside Prudential Center.
Here is the card’s current lineup:
Jimy Hetes vs. Charles Rosa
Nina Ansaroff vs. Justine Kish
Filipe Olivieri vs. Tony Martin
Alexander Yankovlev vs. George Sullivan
Joaquin Silva vs. Oliver Aubin-Mercer
Tarec Saffiedine vs. Jake Ellenberger
Anthony Johnson vs. Ryan Bader
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