Ryan Bader, Anthony Johnson to headline Jan. 30 card

          • Brett OkamotoNov 5, 2015, 09:46 AM
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              Brett Okamoto has reported on mixed martial arts and boxing at ESPN since 2010. He has covered all of the biggest events in combat sports during that time, including in-depth interviews and features with names such as Dana White, Khabib Nurmagomedov, Conor McGregor, Nate Diaz, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao and Georges St-Pierre. He was also a producer on the 30 for 30 film: "Chuck and Tito," which looked back at the careers and rivalry of Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz. He lives in Las Vegas, and is an avid, below-average golfer in his spare time.
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          UFC light heavyweight contenders Ryan Bader and Anthony Johnson have agreed to fight Jan. 30, with a future title shot likely on the line.

          The contest, to be fought at 205 pounds, will headline a UFC on Fox card early next year inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. "UFC Tonight" announced the five-round, non-title matchup.

          Bader (20-4) is riding a five-fight winning streak, including a decision win against former champion Rashad Evans last month. Evans (19-4-1) is a longtime teammate of Johnson's at the Blackzilians camp in Boca Raton, Florida.

          A former collegiate wrestler at Arizona State University, Bader has been with the UFC since 2008 but has never fought for the title. His current winning streak, which includes wins against Evans, Phil Davis and Ovince Saint Preux, matches the longest of his career inside the Octagon.

          Johnson (20-5) is coming off a dominant second-round knockout over Jimi Manuwa at UFC 191. He fought Daniel Cormier for the vacant light heavyweight title in May, losing via submission in the second round. It is the only loss Johnson, a former welterweight, has suffered at 205 pounds.

          Johnson, 31, started campaigning for a fight against Bader almost immediately after his win over Evans. Bader did not reciprocate Johnson's interest at first but has apparently come around. Former champion Jon Jones, who was stripped of the title earlier this year, is expected to challenge Cormier next.

          In addition to the main event, the UFC has announced a welterweight matchup between Jake Ellenberger (30-10) and Tarec Saffiedine (15-4) on the Newark card.