With Daniel Cormier retaining the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192, he’s got one of two options available for his next title bout: Jon Jones or Ryan Bader.
Bader defeated Rashad Evans on the UFC 192 card last weekend, his fifth straight in the division, but with Jones expected to return, Cormier believes that’s what’s next for him.
“Ryan Bader did really stick it to us by beating Rashad. He changed the game. He has by far earned the title shot. But Jones is going to get it if he comes back,” Cormier said on UFC Tonight on Wednesday. “Jon and I did big business in January and we’ll do bigger business next time. This is the biggest fight the UFC can do. The UFC is a business. Ryan, I apologize to you. I think you might have to fight again. He understands and see’s what’s going on in this business.”
Penick’s Analysis: Bader’s in a crappy spot after getting passed over for the Cormier fight in favor of Alexander Gustafsson. With Jones likely to be reinstated in short order, the Cormier fight’s probably happening early in 2016. Bader could get a shot with another win, but as we’ve seen time and again, he’s on the outside looking in at this title picture.
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