Ryan Bader: ‘I deserve a title shot after beating Rashad’

Ryan Bader is on the hunt for gold and has his sights set on UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier. Unfortunately for him, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and former champion Jon Jones are both expecting fights with Cormier, as well.

Bader is coming fresh off a one-sided victory against Rashad Evans at UFC 192 and things the win over the former champion should earn him a shot at Cormier’s gold. “I think that earned me some respect,” Bader told Inside MMA. “You know, I felt great out there. I think I needed a name like Rashad Evans, you know, former champion, to end that five fight win streak with a name like that. Hopefully that deserves enough to get a title shot here.”

Bader didn’t land too many power shots on a returning Evans, but was able to pick him away with his jab throughout the fight.

“In the fight with Rashad we knew the jab was going to work. I have a fast jab. I’ve been showing that the last couple of fights and so this time I went out there and right when I popped two jabs in his face he really didn’t have an answer for it and I see his face was already swelling up and he’s blinking and trying to get that double vision out of his eyes and I just knew he couldn’t get into my range without getting popped with that jab.”

The win was Bader’s fifth in a row and would normally secure a heavy hitter like him a shot at the title. However, “Rumble” is coming off an exciting knockout victory over Jimi Manuwa and Jon Jones could be returning to the octagon soon.

Who do you think should be next in line for a shot at gold? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!