• UFC 144

I'm not just going to take Rampage down - Bader

ESPN staff
February 24, 2012
Rampage Jackson v Ryan Bader

Ryan Bader insists he would be stupid to come out with the sole intention of taking Rampage Jackson to the mat at UFC 144, because the plan will not work.

Pre-fight analysis for the night's co-main event largely centres on the need for Bader to take Jackson out of his comfort zone. Rampage is a vicious knockout artist but can be outwrestled - as previously proven by Rashad Evans.

However, it is not a simple job to execute. Rampage has an excellent sprawl and is more than capable of keeping the fight standing, so Bader admits he will need to mix up his strikes to set up openings.

"I relish in the role of being the underdog and going in there and beating somebody like Rampage. It'll give me more motivation," Bader said.

"My cardio will be there. I'm training my butt off, I'll be in shape, and if he isn't that'll be something I can exploit.

"I'm not just going to go out there and trade punches with Rampage. I'm gonna strike with him, but I'm going to mix every part of my MMA training up. I'll use my wrestling, use my kicks, use my boxing.

"If I go in there and just try and take him down, it's not going to work. I've got to mix everything up.

"Beating Rampage would put me in the upper echelons of the division. I'm a way better fighter than I was when I was undefeated, I'm ten times better."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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