Ryan Bader Says He’s Evolved More Than Antonio Rogerio Noguiera

Ryan Bader spoke with MMAjunkie about his fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC Fight Night 100. Some highlights are below:

On his UFC ranking: “I’m ranked No. 4, but rankings don’t really mean all that much. I believe I’m one fight away at all times from getting a title shot and being up there. I have to beat one of those top three guys.”

On his last match with Nogueira: “The thing is, I’ve evolved since then. I’m not even close to the fighter I was six years ago. I’m proficient on my feet and on the ground; I’m experienced having fought everybody. I’ve fought the who’s who of MMA. (The first fight) was a fight where I had to take him down, because I didn’t know what to do on my feet. I think there was more change in me than him. I think I’ve evolved more than he has in our first fight.”

On gaining momentum: “I feel like I’m finally showing people what I can do. Getting that KO, it was momentum. I want to carry it on in this fight.”