UFC 126 Fight Card Preview: Jon Jones Vs Ryan Bader
Aside from the main event, this is by far the most impactful fight of the night. This is a battle between two undefeated superstars in the making. Yes, Jones isn't technically undefeated after his disqualification loss to Matt Hamil in 2009, but he's unbeaten. No one has looked great against him and he will present a myriad of problems for Ryan Bader.
Jon Jones brings a style of striking that is going to be very difficult to try to replicate during training camp. Unpredictable doesn't begin to explain his quasi-muay thai standup. Whether it's spinning back elbows or flying knees, Jones is going to land on you if you don't put pressure on him.
Bader could be that guy. He didn't look like he had gas in the third round with Antônio Rogério Nogueira, but he places the blame on a less than ideal training schedule for the fight. Bader was in the middle of opening his own gym — Power MMA — in Arizona with teammates CB Dollaway and Aaron Simpson, meaning he was forced to get work in where he could. He spent time in three different gyms, all of whom knew he wouldn't be staying and would instead be competing with them shortly. Sort of awkward.
I think he should look better prepared for this fight. Not to sound too negative regarding Jones’ past opponents, but none of them have been world beaters. I don’t believe Jones will be able to buzzsaw someone like Ryan Bader. This fight is going to be closer than many people are forecasting. Bader has the power to end this fight with one punch, something Jones had better be cognizant of the entire time he’s in the octagon.
