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Phil Davis, Ryan Bader Light Heavyweight Clash Is Solid Addition To UFC On FOX 14 Event

By @RickLaFitte

Phil Davis lands kick on Glover Teixeira during UFC 179 light heavyweight co-main event clash

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Two longtime light heavyweight contenders will square off against one another in what shapes up as an intriguing matchup in January at UFC on FOX 14 in Sweden. Phil Davis and Ryan Bader are both coming off dominant victories in their last Octagon appearances and will be looking to continue their climb into title contention. It’s a clash between two of the division’s most decorated wrestlers.

Davis turned in one of his best career performances in recording a unanimous decision victory against Brazilian slugger Glover Teixeira at UFC 179 in Brazil. “Mr.Wonderful” completely nullified the former title challenger in combining effective kicks and punches with multiple takedowns. The talented wrestler was able to grind down the dangerous knockout artist and batter him with effective ground-and-pound strikes. It was exactly the kind of bounce-back effort that Davis needed after being beaten by Anthony Johnson at UFC 172.

The No. 5 ranked contender has produced a strong Octagon record of 9-2 with one no-contest. His only career losses have come against Johnson and former light heavyweight titlist Rashad Evans. Davis owns notable victories over Lyoto Machida, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira and current No. 1 contender Alexander Gustafsson. He’s a physical specimen who is always in tremendous shape and possesses a slick ground game that has produced four submission victories. Davis is also quite durable, having never been knocked out or submitted.

Bader also comes into this contest riding a wave of momentum thanks to three consecutive victories. “Darth” manhandled Ovince St.Preux in his last appearance at Fight Night 47 in earning a unanimous decision win. He’s also defeated Anthony Perosh and Rafael “Feijao” Cavalcante since suffering a knockout loss to Teixeira. Bader has always been a fringe contender who has faltered in his biggest tests in the past. A win against Davis would undoubtedly have him finally entering top-five territory.

The Season 8 winner of The Ultimate Fighter has compiled an 11-4 Octagon record, and like Davis has faced many of the 205-pound division’s best along the way. Bader also possesses a strong wrestling background and does have one advantage on Davis when it comes to punching power. The No. 7 ranked Bader has produced six knockouts in his 18 career wins and seems to have his all-around game in peak form.

While Davis vs. Bader isn’t a fight that’s likely to produce a fan-friendly slugfest, it’s still a solid addition to the event in Stockholm. This matchup will effectively eliminate one potential contender, while vaulting the winner into title contention. The light heavyweight division will be firmly in the spotlight at the Tele2 Arena as the Jan. 24 card is headlined by the highly-anticipated showdown between Gustafsson and Johnson.

Rick LaFitte is an MMA Writer for Rant Sports

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