Yahoo Sports UFC 192 Results: Ryan Bader Emerges as a Contender with Decision Over Former Champ Rashad Evans
Fourth-ranked light heavyweight Ryan Bader strengthened his case to get a crack at the UFC’s 205-pound title on Saturday when he defeated former champion Rashad Evans by unanimous decision.
The bout was Evans’ return to fighting after being sidelined for nearly two years (687 days) due to multiple knee surgeries.
Bader landed his jab and right hand regularly throughout the three-round bout. Evans pressed forward, but Bader moved laterally to stay out of the way of Evans’ powerful right hand.
Bader began to include his wrestling in the second frame, taking Evans down twice. The damage from the jabs and left hands from “Darth” began to show on the face of Evans. His left eye was swollen nearly shut.
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Bader was on cruise control by the final round. He won the striking exchanges and sealed the deal with a late takedown.
“I’m happy. There’s always room to grow, but I made up my mind that I’m going to come in here and be the best. You’re seeing that right now,” said Bader following the fight.
His left hand did damage to Evans through the course of the fight. He noticed the opening in the defense of Evans early on in the matchup.
“He keeps his hands out, circles to the right. I feint my takedowns and put my hands together. That’s what works for me,” he said.
It was Bader’s 17th appearance inside the Octagon. He’s put together a five-fight winning streak that should place squarely in title contention.
