• UFC

Bader wants to fight in front of English crowd

ESPN staff
January 13, 2011
Ryan Bader was impressed by the atmosphere that greeted Dan Hardy at UFC 120 in London © Getty Images
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Ryan Bader has revealed he would love to fight on an English fight card in the future, and he admits he's a fan of Britain's leading figures Michael Bisping and Dan Hardy.

Bader is preparing for a collision with Jon Jones at UFC 126, which takes place almost a year after he signalled his true intent in the light-heavyweight division by knocking out Keith Jardine in Sydney.

That victory was Bader's third bout outside of the United States, having previously fought in Mexico and the Cayman Islands, and he admits he loves to travel and fight in new places around the globe.

Bader was present for the most recent UFC event to have taken place on British shores at UFC 120, and he revealed to ESPN that he got a taste for the English atmosphere when Hardy walked out for his co-main event with Carlos Condit.

"When I was in London they put on a great show," said Bader. "Dan Hardy's walk-in was intense and I definitely enjoy watching the British guys fight.

"I love travelling around, that was the first time I got to go to London and it was very cool. I like to go to different places. Some fighters don't like to travel when they fight but I fought in Australia and I loved it. I'd like to do more of it."

Asked if he understands the American love-hate relationship with Bisping, Bader revealed he finds the Wolf's Lair fighter entertaining, but he has experienced his effect on the US public at first hand.

"When Mike comes over I see what you mean about the US hatred. I was there when he fought Dan Henderson and I was like 'holy cow'. But he plays it well, he knows what he's doing!"

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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