Ryan Bader comes back to fight on Spike TV.
The Ryan Bader that UFC fans have seen is not the Ryan Bader they will see at UFC 104.
This Bader is finally healthy.
“This fight I’m 100 percent healthy and ready to get in there and be a new fighter,” Bader told MMAMadness.com.
After battling through injury on The Ultimate Fighter, Bader tore his knee in his fight against Carmelo Marrero. Bader still scores a unanimous decision victory, but many wonder just how good a healthy Bader will be.
“I think you’ll see a new fighter in the octagon,” Bader said. “[I’ve been] working on my standup a lot and working on my jiu-jitsu.”
Bader has been particularly focused on his striking, so much so that he will look to keep his UFC 104 match against Eric Schafer on the feet.
“I feel like I’m going to dictate the fight and I look forward to coming in here and showing my standup a little more,” Bader said. “I’m more technical, and I think I’m going to feel more comfortable standing in the pocket more.”
Given Schafer’s jiu-jitsu background, a strategy centered on avoiding the mat could be best. Bader employed a similar strategy against jiu-jitsu ace Vinny Magalhaes, and the result was a first round knockout.
“The Vinny fight is really when I started feeling comfortable going in there,” Bader said.
Comfort is something that Bader feels will serve him well in this fight. He has had two fights in the UFC (more if you count fighting on the show), and has improved his professional record to 9-0.
Despite his accomplishments, Bader isn’t looking too far down the road.
“I have Eric Schafer right now, and if I win and when I win, I’ll look to my next opponent,” Bader said.
While he doesn’t know who that next opponent will be, Bader is ready for whoever the UFC throws at him.
“I need more fights, I need a lot more fights I feel,” Bader said. “I feel like I need it before I even think about getting a title shot. That’s the ultimate goal, but I need to progress as an MMA fighter, and be the best that I can be.”
At UFC 104, Bader can take one small step towards that ultimate goal.
On 02/21/10, Ryan Bader has a fight coming up against Keith Jardine. With an undefeated record of 11-0-0, Bader will have no problems.
Those who have watched Bader’s fights, are probably confident about this.
Lou Messina, NYC