Rematch with Nogueira will be last fight on Bader's contract
Ryan Bader could be testing free agency soon.
On Wednesday, the UFC light heavyweight appeared on "The Luke Thomas Show" on SiriusXM to discuss his upcoming main-event fight with Antonio Rogerio Nogueira at UFC Fight Night 100 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Bader confirmed that the Nov. 19 bout will be the last of his current UFC contract and while he'd prefer to re-sign, he's keeping his options open.
"I love fighting in the UFC. I feel like the best competition is there and I've pretty much fought my whole career there," said Bader. "But at the same time, I'm 33-years-old, I feel like I'm in my prime right now. I have to keep my mind open and we'll see."
Bader and Nogueira previously fought six years ago, a unanimous decision win for Bader. The rematch was booked when Nogueira's original opponent Alexander Gustafsson was forced out with an injury.
"Darth" has been with the organization since 2008. He knocked out Vinny Magalhaes in one round to win an "Ultimate Fighter" contract, then rattled off four more wins to start his professional career at 12-0. Bader would suffer his first loss at the hands of future champion Jon Jones, but become a mainstay at 205 pounds with a UFC record of 14-5 record.
Currently ranked No. 4 in the official rankings, Bader holds wins over former UFC titleholders Quinton "Rampage" Jackson and Rashad Evans, as well as contenders Ovince Saint Preux and Phil Davis.