Some guys are gifted UFC title shots as if they’re going out of style. Others, like light heavyweight Ryan Bader (pictured), have to take the scenic route for a crack at the crown.
With five straight wins, Bader is the hottest fighter in the division. He thought January’s victory over Phil Davis was good enough to secure him a title shot. “Darth” thought wrong. Last month’s win over former champ Rashad Evans? Still not good enough, especially with the UFC hellbent on rightfully granting Jon Jones an immediate opportunity to reclaim his belt after getting stripped following April’s felony hit-and-run arrest.