Getting punched by Anthony Johnson probably ranks right up there with “root canal” and “anal warts” on that universal list of things nobody wants to experience.
That said, much respect to UFC light heavyweight Ryan Bader.
“Darth” will climb into the Octagon to face Johnson in the main event of UFC on FOX 18, which takes place on Jan. 30, 2016 inside Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Despite his lengthy win streak, Bader needs to get by “Rumble” in order to challenge for the 205-pound title.
Which is expected to be on the line when Daniel Cormier (eventually) fights Jon Jones.
But Johnson warns mixed martial arts (MMA) fans not to underestimate his opponent, an intelligent fighter who will not be dumb enough to stand toe-to-toe with him on fight night. Will Bader be able to drag this fight into the fourth and fifth rounds to try to exploit Johnson’s conditioning?
That all depends on his success in avoiding the A-bomb.