One of the interesting storylines heading into UFC 118 is the Octagon return of Gabe Ruediger; if that name doesn’t immediately jump out at you, think “Ultimate Fighter,” ice cream, cake, colonics and…yup, he’s the dude on TUF 5 that got booted for failing to make weight. Ruediger agreed to step in (on short notice) for the injured Terry Etim, who was supposed to fight Joe Lauzon.
Now, of course, Ruediger wouldn’t be making his UFC return if he had been losing on the minor circuit, and heading into Saturday’s bout he’s won 6 straight. The fight, which will be broadcast on Spike, gives Ruediger a fantastic opportunity to at least, slightly muzzle, the thousands of critics that have been on him ever since TUF 5. What makes the bout even more interesting is that Lauzon was one of Ruediger’s cast mates during the show, and as the veteran recently discussed on BJ.Penn.com, it sounds like there’s a little bit of ‘dislike’ going on there. In terms of Lauzon as an opponent? Here is some of what Ruediger said in the interview:
“Joe’s overrated; you know, he’s had some success in the UFC, but who’s he fought? When everything is said and done; Jason Reinhardt? I don’t care. I mean look at his record. Kyle Bradley’s tough but is he that tough? When he fought tough dudes he lost. When he fought Sammy Stout he lost. I’m not impressed with him and I know I’m going to smash him.”
Not sure Jeremy Stephens would agree with the above analysis, but hey, that’s just like…our opinion. To bet on Saturday’s festivities head here.