Tag: Ryan Bader

UFC 126 Fight Breakdown: Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse ExclusiveLAS VEGAS — It’s time to take the big step for either Jon Jones or Ryan Bader at UFC 126. They both can’t make it. One of them will move on and into the title picture, and the other will be left behind to pick up th…

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LAS VEGAS — It’s time to take the big step for either Jon Jones or Ryan Bader at UFC 126. They both can’t make it. One of them will move on and into the title picture, and the other will be left behind to pick up the pieces.

Until now it’s been smooth sailing for each. Bader — a former NCAA wrestling All-American — is a perfect 12-0 since turning pro in 2007, while Jones — also a collegiate wrestler — has only a minor blip on his 11-1 record, the only loss coming via disqualification for illegal elbows in a fight he was otherwise dominating. Each man also has a signature win. For Bader it was a unanimous decision over respected veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 119; for Jones it was a first-round thrashing of Brandon Vera.

For two fighters who have had fairly parallel careers, it’s notable that oddsmakers and bettors have Jones as a more than 3-to-1 favorite. For those who don’t follow gambling, that’s a significant number that means Jones is an overwhelming pick to win.

Unbeaten Ryan Bader Likes Underdog Role Against Jon Jones

Filed under: UFC, NewsLAS 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 ma…

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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.”

Ryan Bader Glad Critics Are Writing Him Off Prior to UFC 126

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LAS VEGAS — MMA Fighting caught up with Ryan Bader to talk about his UFC 126 fight against Jon Jones, why so many people are betting against him going into this fight, the Jones buzz going into Saturday night and much more.

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LAS VEGAS — MMA Fighting caught up with Ryan Bader to talk about his UFC 126 fight against Jon Jones, why so many people are betting against him going into this fight, the Jones buzz going into Saturday night and much more.

Jon Jones Talks Rosario Dawson, K-Swiss and Family Reunion at UFC 126

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LAS VEGAS — MMA Fighting spoke to Jon Jones prior to his UFC 126 showdown against Ryan Bader. “Bones” talked about getting props from actress Rosario Dawson, his new K-Swiss endorsement deal, having his entire family attend the fight and being a huge favorite against Bader.

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LAS VEGAS — MMA Fighting spoke to Jon Jones prior to his UFC 126 showdown against Ryan Bader. “Bones” talked about getting props from actress Rosario Dawson, his new K-Swiss endorsement deal, having his entire family attend the fight and being a huge favorite against Bader.

Jon Jones: ‘I’m at 20 Percent of Where I Can Be’

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive, NewsLAS 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 Jon Jones.

Even during a weekend …

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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 Jon Jones.

Even during a weekend featuring a middleweight championship bout, more than a few insiders have admitted that Jones’ fight with Ryan Bader is the one they’re most interested in seeing at UFC 126. The spotlight on him is that bright. But to Jones, “hype” is a four-letter word for its often negative connotation related to unearned attention. To Jones, it’s not hype if it’s hard-earned through work.

But despite his success and the limelight that’s followed him, Jones won’t concede he’s anywhere close to a finished product as a fighter. In fact, he says one of his favorite parts of MMA is that there is always more to learn.

“I love it,” he told MMA Fighting. “MMA is like swimming out into the middle of the ocean and realizing there’s no other side out there. It’s like climbing a ladder where there’s no top rung. When you take account of expert psychology stuff, working on flexibility, guard passes, working from the bottom, and I could go on, there’s so much to learn. I love it. But I say I’m at 20 percent of where I can be, where I should be.”

Reminder: Watch the UFC 126 Pre-Fight Press Conference Right Here at 4:00 pm ET Today

("Come at me, bro.")
Will Anderson try to answer questions in English?
Will Vitor talk about how training with Jesus has helped him prepare for this fight?
Will "Bones" Jones talk about how awesome he is?
Will Rich Franklin reveal …


("Come at me, bro.")

Will Anderson try to answer questions in English?

Will Vitor talk about how training with Jesus has helped him prepare for this fight?

Will "Bones" Jones talk about how awesome he is?

Will Rich Franklin reveal the tattoo he has chosen for Forrest to get if he beats him?

All of these questions and more will be answered at the UFC 126 press conference at 4:00 pm ET.

As always, the UFC video player is after the jump.

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