“Rumble” versus “Darth” could be in the works if this bout fails to get materialized.
Rumble young man, rumble!
That’s exactly what former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight title challenger Anthony Johnson did when he destroyed Jimi Manuwa at the UFC 191 pay-per-view (PPV) last month.
Now, he has his sights set on a tussle with streaking contender Ryan Bader, according to his manager (via UFC Tonight).
The Blackzilians product has been a stud since his return to the Octagon in April 2014 and is 4-1 overall. Johnson’s momentum was halted in a third-round submission loss to current titleholder Daniel Cormer at UFC 187 last May and has since rebounded with the Manuwa stoppage.
Meanwhile, Bader has strung together five straight wins over top competition like former 205-pound champion Rashad Evans (video), Phil Davis, and Ovince Saint Preux.
A fight between the two wouldn’t necessarily need any promotion because of this jab, but only time will tell if these elite 205-pound mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters mix it up inside the Octagon.
However, it appears that “Darth” will wait and see who UFC chooses to place opposite champion Daniel Cormier, who put forth a spirited effort (video) in a split-decision victory over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 last weekend (Oct. 3, 2015).
After missing out on a shot at gold earlier this year, Bader will look to see whether former pound-for-pound star Jon Jones is inevitably reinstated and given an immediate title shot versus rival Cormier.
It’s a bout that “DC” covets much more than shutting the Power MMA representative’s mouth.
If those events get put into motion, Johnson might find himself opponent-less, because Bader has a different Octagon dance partner in mind.
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