With Jones’ return still up in the air, Cormier — who lost to Jones at UFC 182 — will defend it against all comers, although he does have one person in mind. Ryan Bader, Cormier’s original opponent before being moved to the main event in place of Jones, was not happy that for the second time in two years, a potential fight with Cormier was scrapped.
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During the UFC 187 post-fight press conference, Cormier spotted Bader in the crowd, and the usually polite and respectful champion did not hold back his feelings towards the former collegiate All-American.
(Warning: Video contains explicit language)
Bader, who wrestled at Arizona State with Cormier’s training partner and UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velazquez, has won four consecutive fights since a 2013 TKO loss to former top contender Glover Teixeira. Bader last fought in January, defeating fellow former collegiate All-American wrestler Phil Davis via unanimous decision.
With Jones previously cleaning out most of the division and Bader on a four-fight win streak, a tussle between Cormier and Bader would make sense if Jones is unable to return to The Octagon in the near future.
Source: MMA Fighting
