Ryan Bader (10-0)

Source: www.mmaweekly.com

The UFC 104 took place in Los Angeles, California on October 24th. AZ Combat Sports was well represented by Ryan Bader.

It was apparent early on that Bader was definitely ready to show off his stand-up skills in facing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu ace Eric “Red” Schafer, as the former Ultimate Fighter winner opened up early in the fight with big punches trying to end the fight early. Bader landed a big shot midway through the first that rocked Schafer, and it looked like the finish was on its way, but the Milwaukee based fighter persevered and made in through the first five minutes, while enduring some severe punishment from the former Arizona State wrestler.

Schafer looked much stronger in the second round as Bader started to slow down after going all out in the first. Bader was winding up time and again looking for the big punch, while Schafer did a good job hitting jabs and landing the better strikes that snapped his opponent’s head back several times in the round.

Knowing that he may have dropped the second round, Bader picked up the pace in the final round, pressuring Schafer with his stand-up. The former TUF champion uncorked one big shot that landed right behind Schafer’s ear that left him on wobbly legs, and then being taken to the mat. Bader went for the finish, but again Schafer did a good job getting back to guard, bringing the fight to a stalemate on the ground.

As the fight came to a close, Bader stayed aggressive with his strikes, and landed a nice takedown to close out the 15-minute session. The judges saw it much the same way handing Bader the unanimous decision win, his third official win in the Octagon.