Ryan Bader: Lyoto Machida Rematch is a Fight I ‘Definitely Want’ in Bellator

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At the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s fourth show on the Fox Network, Ryan Bader’s impatience came back to haunt him in a big way.

When Bader charged forward in the second round of his co-main event encounter with Lyoto Machida in August 2012, “The Dragon” met his opponent with a perfectly-time counter. That folded Bader where he stood, effectively ending the contest 1:32 into the period.

More than six years later, both Bader and Machida are in Bellator MMA. While Machida is currently competing at 185 pounds, it’s still definitely a fight that Bader would like to run back.

“He’s one of those not good highlights for me when they’re showing him and I’m rushing in getting knocked out,” Bader said during a recent conference call. “I had no idea what I the hell I was doing then striking-wise. I can’t remember how many years that was and I’d definitely like to get that back.”

At the moment, Bader is set to face Fedor Emelianenko for the vacant heavyweight title at Bellator 214 on Jan. 26. A victory would make him a two-division champion. Machida, meanwhile, is coming off a split-decision triumph over former 185-pound champion Rafael Carvalho in his Bellator debut. Even though the former foes are currently a couple weight classes apart, Bader still has unfinished business with Machida.

“It’s a big fight. I’m looking to get into those big fights,” Bader said. “We’ll see where we go from here, but that’s a fight that I definitely want.”