UFC 126 Fight Breakdown: Jon Jones vs. Ryan Bader

Filed under: UFC, FanHouse Exclusive

LAS VEGAS -- It's time to take the big step for either Jon Jones or Ryan Bader at UFC 126. They both can't make it. One of them will move on and into the title picture, and the other will be left behind to pick up the pieces.

Until now it's been smooth sailing for each. Bader -- a former NCAA wrestling All-American -- is a perfect 12-0 since turning pro in 2007, while Jones -- also a collegiate wrestler -- has only a minor blip on his 11-1 record, the only loss coming via disqualification for illegal elbows in a fight he was otherwise dominating. Each man also has a signature win. For Bader it was a unanimous decision over respected veteran Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC 119; for Jones it was a first-round thrashing of Brandon Vera.

For two fighters who have had fairly parallel careers, it's notable that oddsmakers and bettors have Jones as a more than 3-to-1 favorite. For those who don't follow gambling, that's a significant number that means Jones is an overwhelming pick to win.

Source: http://www.mmafighting.com/2011/02/04/ufc-126-fight-breakdown-jon-jones-vs-ryan-bader/

Pascal Krauss Keigo Kunihara Mike Kyle Achmed Labasanov