UFC makes tough decision as Ryan Bader vs Jon Jones likely in 2011
Posted by Joshua Wood (Editor in Chief)Oct 2
The much publicized bout between Ryan Bader (12-0) and Jon Jones (11-1) appears to be getting close to happening. Even before his recent unanimous decision victory over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 119, Bader was asked about a future bout with Jones. The Arizona State All-American stated he had no problem fighting Jones should the UFC come asking.
Asking is what the UFC has done and according to MMAWeekly the fight has been offered to both fighters.
Both are highly touted prospects in the light heavyweight division, which makes the match up questionable this early into each fighter’s career. Bader since winning season 8 of the ultimate fighters is 5-0 in the UFC and has defeated Keith Jardine and Nogueria in his last two fights. Jones is 5-1 in the UFC but that lone lose was by way of a DQ versus Matt Hamill for illegal elbows. Jones has a very unorthodox style with brutal power and quickness.
The skill Jones possesses is likely the reason for the questionable timing of the match up. Fighters aren’t exactly waiting in line to face Jones; even former champ Forrest Griffin wasn’t too interested in a potential fight with Jones. Bader didn’t shy away from the idea of facing Jones when asked and the UFC needs an opponent for Jones, so the pieces fit.
While maybe not the most ideal thing to put two rising stars against one another, the fans should be happy with the matchup and the tough decision the UFC made. If Dana White and Joe Silva would’ve scheduled both fighters against mid level light heavyweights instead of each other, fans would be crying foul.
The UFC made the tough decision and fans will be rewarded with a great match up in early 2011.
