Ryan Bader has been left out in the cold after the UFC announced yesterday that Alexander Gustafsson will get the next title shot against new light-heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, but there may still be a big fight coming is way in the future.
Former champion Rashad Evans is hoping to return to action in September after spending the best part of two years on the sidelines due to knee surgeries, and according to UFC Tonight he’s got Bader in his sights.
Rankings wise it’s a fight that makes sense with both men currently being tied in the No.3 contender spot in the division. It’s perhaps a longer wait than Bader would have liked though, coming off his split decision win over Phil Davis in January.
That was his fourth victory in a row and had him believing a title shot against Cormier was a real possibility, but a win over a high profile fighter like Evans could be just what he needs to prove to the UFC that he’s worthy of fighting for the belt.
Prior to his knee injury Evans was on a two-fight winning streak, defeating Dan Henderson and Chael Sonnen. Ring rust could be a concern for him after such a long layoff, but at 35 he’s not getting any younger and will be eager to hit the ground running and work his way back to a title shot at 205lbs.
