LAS VEGAS — Ryan Bader is the one with an undefeated record, but you wouldn’t know it listening to the pre-fight chatter.
The fans, the media, the oddsmakers, they’re all picking his UFC 126 opponent Jon Jones to continue his march up the divisional ladder and put an end to Bader’s successful stretch. It’s not a role that’s bothersome to Bader, who understands the excitement that surrounds Jones. In fact, he says that he himself has enjoyed watching Jones’ star rise. But his own interest in Jones’ style takes a one-night sabbatical on Saturday, when Bader tries to prove that he is the light-heavyweight division’s chosen one.
“A lot of people, the media and fans have written me off in this fight,” he said. “He’s been rolling through people,” he said. “I’m undefeated but he’s been doing it in devastating fashion, knocking people out in the first round. He’s flashy, dynamic and people like to see it. We’re pretty much total opposite fighters. I’m more basic and he’s got his funky moves and all that. I relish the underdog role. People aren’t giving me the chance, and it’s going to feel good to prove a lot of people wrong.”
LAS VEGAS — The word “hype” is often thrown around in MMA circles, surrounding young prospects. It probably has been attached to few names as often as it has been attached to 
