Ryan Bader UFC (Photo : Photo: Twitter)
Ryan Bader got his hand raised six out of the last seven times he stepped foot inside the octagon; a lone defeat that came from the hands of a former UFC Light Heavyweight title challenger, Glover Texeira.
Outside of this loss, "Darth" has racked up impressive wins over the likes of Rafael Cavalcante, Ovince Saint Preux, and Phil Davis. It also helps that he dominated one-time UFC champion, Rashad Evans, in his recent outing.
For some, this streak would grant them immediate title shots; for others, it will - more likely - push them back to square one unless they prove otherwise.
The recent news of Jon Jones' reinstatement with the UFC opened the proverbial door of an exciting rematch with current titleholder, Daniel Cormier. This leaves Bader on the outside looking in as he figures out his next step toward capturing the seemingly elusive gold.
Knowing the UFC, they wouldn't set a "warm up fight" for either Jones or Cormier against Ryan Bader. No matter how dominant these aforementioned champions are, there's always a puncher's chance of spoiling the party.
Considering these developments, all signs point to Bader versus Rumble; with the winner facing the eventual champion of the division.
In hindsight, it's a sensible fight to make for both light heavyweight contenders.
Anthony Johnson was supposed to square off with Jones for the belt, before Cormier submitted him in the title fight replacement.
He has won 10 out of 11 fights in devastating fashion, and is deemed as the No. 1 ranked light heavyweight in the world.
On the other hand, whether he admits it or not, Bader is still looking for that statement win that could really get him over the hump of what fans see as a classic UFC gatekeeper.
