Weight Class: Light Heavyweight The main event for UFC on Fox 18 is a title eliminator that should (and remember, these things are very subject to the whims of UFC matchmakers) line the winner up for a crack at the winner of Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier. Ryan "Darth" Bader takes on former title challenger Anthony Johnson in the contest, which should finally give us answers to whether Bader has returned to contender status - though many feel he has already earned a title shot. Bader (204), for several years, specifically after a loss to Jon Jones which saw Jones granted his first title shot, was looked upon as a bust in the UFC. However, he has turned himself around in the couple of years since, and has now won five straight in the division, against names like Phil Davis, Ovince St. Preux, and former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans. Even before the Evans win many tapped Bader as the next challenger, and he confronted Daniel Cormier at a press conference following one of Cormier's fights only to find himself passed over for the shot. A win over Johnson would mean no one's left for Bader other than a title shot, so it's all or nothing. Johnson (205), however, is a beast who has looked fantastic since being cut from the UFC after his first stint, then returning after a great WSOF run. Johnson outright destroyed both Alexander Gustafsson and Jimi Manuwa, but between those knockout wins, he was choked out by Cormier, who became champ in the process. Johnson did connect with a big shot early in the fight, but DC showed heart and determination in recovering and securing the win. Johnson would love another go at it, however, so like Bader, he'll be going all out. That's what makes this fight so compelling. Both fighters need a statement win, which means they may throw caution to the wind. While Bader could grind out a decision, it's more likely that Johnson manages to tag him somewhere in the first few rounds. Johnson by knockout.
Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.
