Johnson challenges Bader: 'Don't run or hide!'

A. Johnson (photo) did not like R. Bader's statements. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

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After apparently running out of a chance at the title, Ryan bader declared that he has no interest in facing Anthony Johnson in a new eliminator for the number one challenger position. Bader's words were not well received by Johnson, who responded through a very direct post on social media.

“I just read that Ryan bader said he is the number one challenger. Well, as far as I know, he isn't. How does a real athlete feel like he/she is next in line when he/she hasn't yet fought anyone in the top 3 rankings? Have some pride, don't run or hide! Let's fight and see who the real number one challenger is. I WANT TO FIGHT AGAINST YOU, RYAN BADER. I respect you and your abilities, but LET'S FIGHT AND SEE WHO IS NUMBER ONE. Are you up for the challenge? I’ll be waiting, sir,” Johnson wrote on his official Facebook profile.

Since you won Rashad evans at UFC 192, at the beginning of the month, Ryan bader has been campaigning to face the champion Daniel Cormier, who defended his title against Alexander Gustafson on the same night. However, it seems that the next challenger for the belt will be the former champion Jon Jones, who lost his title due to problems with the law, but has now had all charges dropped and is now free to return to the octagon.