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.
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.