Bader: I have something to prove to myself
Ryan Bader is going for his fifth straight win at UFC 192 when he fights Rashad Evans, and hopes an impressive win proves that he is ready for a title fight.
Ryan Bader is going for his fifth straight win at UFC 192 when he fights Rashad Evans, and hopes an impressive win proves that he is ready for a title fight:
I have something to prove. Especially with Rashad and Cormier,” Bader said. “I have something to prove to myself, to the UFC and the fans that I deserve to be at the very top. That I deserve to be there fighting for the belt.”
It’s impossible to ignore Evans’ long layoff and how that might affect his performance on Saturday night. Bader can’t depend on Evans coming in with ring rust or not being at his best because underestimating a veteran like that could spell disaster.
Instead, Bader will treat Evans like the person who won the UFC light heavyweight title in 2008 although he’s going to test the former champion early to see if he’s still relevant in 2015.
“I don’t want to go out there and think I’m fighting a slow or older Rashad,” Bader said.
“I’m not thinking like that at all. I’m thinking like I’m getting the best Rashad, the one who won the title. For me, every time I step in there I don’t underestimate anybody, but two years off isn’t easy. Every training camp and every fight takes a little bit out of you, and then with surgeries you’re putting your body through hell. Coming off two ACL surgeries into a training camp isn’t easy.”