Chael Sonnen has changed his tune on Ryan Bader.
Sonnen is set to take on Lyoto Machida in the co-main event of Bellator 222. The bout will take place inside Madison Square Garden in New York City. While “The American Gangster” has a “Dragon” to slay, he’s already throwing shade at Bellator “champ-champ” Bader.
Chael Sonnen Rips Ryan Bader
Sonnen spoke to MMAJunkie.com and said that Bader isn’t a draw:
“This is said to be the No. 1 contender’s fight, but it puts me in a really weird spot. Generally you would be chasing the champion. That is the general rule of the business; that is the general rule in life. Ryan Bader sucks. Ryan Bader can’t draw. People don’t know who Ryan Bader is. Ryan Bader, as a champion, has to beg me to come in and fight.
“The roles are totally reversed. He’s got to beg me to be the No. 1 contender. I don’t like Ryan Bader. I’ve got a history with Ryan Bader. I want to be champion. I don’t know if I want to do Ryan Bader that favor.”
Just a couple of months back, Sonnen praised Bader and said he deserves the leeway that Bellator president Scott Coker promised him. MMA News is on the scene for Bellator 222. Join us for live coverage of the event on Friday.
