MONDAY NEWS DIGEST 2/11: Ryan Bader-Daniel Cormier Superfight talk, DC delays retirement, former UFC fighter arrested on domestic abuse charges

By Cole Henry, mmatorch Contributor

Jan 26, 2019; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Ryan Bader (blue gloves) defeats Fedor Emelianenko (red gloves) during Bellator 214 at The Forum. Mandatory Credit: Dave Mandel-USA TODAY Sports

Ryan Bader’s manager comments on a potential super fight with Daniel Cormier

Ryan Bader and Daniel Cormier were supposed to fight some years ago in New Orleans, but it wasn’t to be. If they’d fought who knows what we would be talking about right now. Back then, Cormier boldly stated that Bader was the easiest fight in the division, and he would likely still like his chances if they fought today. But Bader’s manager disagrees.

“Cormier is a great guy, much respect to him, but I see a good match-up for Bader,” he said. “Cormier is an excellent wrestler with a good game on short range, the same game Bader does well. Cormier did more in pure wrestling, but Bader’s wrestling is great for MMA.”

“I believe that a five-round fight would be a great scenario for us. Bader does great in five-round fights, but they both have heavy hands. I wouldn’t be surprised if it was a war, but I believe Bader has a great chance of finishing him inside five rounds.” (Via MMAFighting)

The chances of this fight happening are slim. For starters, these two compete in different promotions and it’s unlikely that they will be competing under the same umbrella again before Cormier retires. But is a cross-promotional fight possible? Recent history would say no because the UFC does not co-promote, but what if the two were to compete in 2019?

Daniel Cormier will delay retirement

Curious to know what Daniel Cormier is doing?

“Just trying to heal up. Once I heal up, I can start looking forward to what’s next but right now it’s just handle these injuries. Just get better.”

Cormier had stated his intentions to retire in March of 2019 but will now be pushing those plans back. But for how long? Dana White would like to see him compete three more times, but the Champ might not be up for it…

“He’s a powerful guy. He does control the narrative in mixed martial arts. He wants me to fight three more times, so we’ll see what happens. I don’t anticipate me fighting three more times but let him be happy for a while.” (via MMAFighting)

We better enjoy Daniel Cormier while we still can.

Josh Copeland arrested, suspended indefinitely

UFC veteran, and PFL top contender, Josh Copeland was arrested on suspicion of domestic abuse. Copeland allegedly assaulted his wife and was arrested following the incident. The PFL, Copeland’s current employer, released a statement announcing that Copeland will be suspended indefinitely.

Fight Announcements

-Michel Prazeres vs. Ismail Naurdiev at UFC Fight Night 145

-Luis Pena vs. Steven Peterson at UFC Fight Night 148

In case you missed it

AUDIO INTERVIEW: Bellator’s Mike Kimbel on how you top a six-second win

FREE PODCAST 2/11 – PWTorch Dailycast – MMA Talk for Pro Wrestling Fans: Vallejos and Rick Monsey review UFC 234, preview UFC’s first full card on ESPN, discuss Khabib Nurmagomedov refusing to record a PSA for NSAC, more (89 min)

Fight of the Day

Cain Velasquez vs. Minotauro Nogueira from Feb. 2010

 

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