Ryan Bader explains why a rematch with Jon Jones at heavyweight would go completely different than their first encounter

Bellator champion Ryan Bader believes a rematch against Jon Jones would go differently at heavyweight.

Way back in 2011, Jon Jones and Ryan Bader clashed at light heavyweight. It was billed as an encounter that would determine who the next rising contender really is at 205 pounds, and Jones came out on top with a nice submission finish.

Since then, Jon has gone on to become one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. On the flip side, Bader has enjoyed tremendous success in Bellator, becoming a two-weight world champion in his own right.

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During a recent interview, Bader made it known that he thinks a rematch between the two at heavyweight would make for interesting viewing.

Bader’s Jones prediction

“I think it would definitely be a different fight,” Bader told MMA Junkie Radio. “Jones has proven himself over and over again. I feel like he’s the best fighter in the world, but my mentality now from what it was back then, basically a kid new to this sport, it would definitely be a different fight for sure.

“Who knows the outcome, but that would be a fun one. I got to run a few back, undefeated in rematches, and that would be one of the fights that you can go in and kind of see how far you’ve grown from whenever that fight happened, 2011 or something to 2024. That would be something very, very cool.”

Quotes via MMA Junkie

We aren’t likely to ever see it, but it’s certainly something to think about.

What do you believe would happen if Ryan Bader and Jon Jones squared off in a rematch? What would be Bader’s best chance of victory? Let us know, BJPENN Nation!