Bader: I think I could beat DC now
Ryan Bader: “If I would have matched up with him five years ago, I don’t think I would do all that well. I think now I beat him.”
In May of 2017, at UFC 187, it looked like Ryan Bader was going to get a title fight vs. Daniel Cormier. However, the shot eventually went to Alexander Gustafsson. Bader eventually left for Bellator after eight years and 20 fights in the UFC, without ever landing a title shot.
Make every story count.
Join XP Passport to earn XP as you read and build your martial arts profile.
Now 35, Bader is the Bellator light heavyweight champion, and with a win last night is one fight away from becoming the winner of the Heavyweight Grand Prix and new heavyweight champ. That will be vs. the winner of tonight’s other semi-final fight, between Fedor Emelianenko and Chael Sonnen. At the Bellator 207 post-fight press conference, Bader talked about how he would do vs. the UFC champ champ Daniel Cormier today.
I do think about that, said Bader to Mike Bohn and Ken Hathaway for MMAjunkie. We all are, ‘Woulda, coulda, shoulda.’ A big reason for me to come over is I believe I was the best in the world and never got the opportunity to show it [in the UFC]. Over here I did. It’s always there. I’m a competitor, I want to be the best in the world, not, ‘Oh yeah, but there’s another organization.’ Taking nothing away from him. He’s a dominant champion. He’s one of the best to ever do it. Of course I want it. But will that ever happen? No.
I think I match up well with him. Especially now. If I would have matched up with him five years ago, I don’t think I would do all that well. I think now I beat him. Its just one of those things where it’s too bad it’ll never happen.
Cormier was all class in reply, as ever.
