• UFC 126

Bader plans early finish against Jon Jones

ESPN staff
January 16, 2011
Jon Jones brings a multitude of problems to the Octagon © UFC
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Ryan Bader is planning a first-round finish to his showdown with Jon Jones, and he expects the UFC 126 encounter to hit all corners of the Octagon.

Despite his unbeaten record, Bader is the underdog on February 5. The TUF 8 winner has an extremely solid wrestling base, and a right hand capable of knocking out Keith Jardine, but Jones is widely regarded to boast exceptional talent across all areas of MMA.

Nevertheless, Bader has been working his boxing hard during his training camp, knowing tight technique could be the Achilles heel for an unorthodox striker such as Jones. Bader insists he will fight smart, but if his plan comes to fruition he will be in for a short evening.

"This fight's going to be one of those that goes everywhere. He's going to want to take me down, deliver his strikes, I'll be doing the same. It'll go everywhere," Bader told ESPN.

"Obviously I'm planning on getting out early and ending the fight, but you never know. We're going to have to keep our defences up and see who takes a step backwards.

"I'm not saying I'll come out fast, I'm going to be smart about it. I'm not going to be reckless, you'll see me be more technical with my stand-up than you have in the past, and I'll be looking out for his unorthodox strikes."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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