Bader then crashed champion Daniel Cormier’s UFC 187 post-fight conference in May demanding a crack at the crown. Despite the impromptu WWE-esque promo the rivals cut, which resulted in Bader being escorted from the presser by security, UFC brass were still not sold on pitting Bader in a championship affair.
No problem, October’s unanimous decision victory over former champ Rashad Evans would certainly seal the top contender deal then. Nope, it didn’t.
Which leads us to today, where Bader looks to prove his mettle against Anthony Johnson, the most physically intimidating man in the division. If Bader can tumble “Rumble,” there’s no way the UFC can deny him a title tilt, right?