Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer Set for UFC 104

by Scott Haber on Jul 8, 2009 8:31 PM EDT

This Fan Post was promoted to the front page by Nick Thomas.

The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 light-heavyweight champion Ryan "Darth" Bader (9-0, 2-0 UFC) will be back in action this fall at UFC 104 in Los Angeles on October 24th when he takes on BJJ black belt Eric "Red" Schafer (11-3, 3-2 UFC). Bader revealed the fight on his official Twitter account today:

Next fight...UFC 104 against Eric Shaufer (sic) in LA Oct 24th.

The Arizona Combat Sports-trained Ryan Bader stormed through the competition with on his season of TUF en-route to claiming the light-heavyweight crown against Vinny Magalhaes at the season finale. Since then, Bader fought on the UFN 18 card back in April where he utilized his superior wrestling to take a unanimous decision over Carmelo Marrero, although he commented after the fight that he was not satisfied with his performance, and was disappointed that he was unable to finish the fight before it went to a decision.

Eric Schafer is a savvy submission artist who trains along with UFC heavyweight Pat Barry, at Duke Roufus's gym in Milwaukee. Despite being highly decorated in the grappling world, Schafer struggled early in his UFC career, going 1-2 (although the losses came against solid competition: Stephan Bonnar and Michael Bisping), leading him to step away from the Octagon and take some fights in minor-league shows to build up his skills and confidence. It was a successful move for "Red, as he went 2-0 outside the UFC, and then returned to submit Houston Alexander and TKO Antonio Mendes in consecutive fights, with the most recent (Mendes) taking place back in January at UFC 93. Schafer was scheduled to take on Polish striker Tomasz Drwal on the TUF 9 finale last month, but an injury forced him to bow out with Mike Ciesnolevicz taking his place.

photos via ufc.com

UFC 104 coverage

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Comments

Good fight for Bader. Exactly the right kind of challenge for a wrestler at this stage in his career.

by An Old Friend on Jul 8, 2009 8:40 PM EDT reply actions

Ravshing Red’s got this. Bader’s getting tapped.

by Derek Suboticki on Jul 8, 2009 8:43 PM EDT reply actions

Vinny was supposed to sub Bader too. Bader by TKO.

Keep firing Assholes!

Out out, you demons of stupidity!

by Ubernoober on Jul 8, 2009 9:36 PM EDT up reply actions

I like Bader’s potential too. What I really like about this fight is:

a. Schafer’s BJJ is dangerous enough that Bader can’t expect to lay and pray to a decision win.

This fight will tell me if I’m right about Bader. If he can’t get past Schafer, he’s not as far along in his development as I would have guessed. Schafer’s a good fighter, but a guy with Bader’s power and wrestling should be able to beat him. Schafer’s an excellent mid-tier gatekeeper.

by An Old Friend on Jul 8, 2009 9:46 PM EDT up reply actions

Don’t know why that last bit is in bold.

by An Old Friend on Jul 8, 2009 9:47 PM EDT up reply actions

Schafer’s BJJ is dangerous enough

Has Schafer ever subbed a good fighter?

by George Lucas on Jul 9, 2009 1:20 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, that’s my point—it’s not like Bader’s getting thrown in with Nogueira (LHW version). Which is good, cause he’d probably get submitted at this point in his career. This lets us know just how far he’s come along. I expect he’ll win, but I’m optimistic about Bader.

by An Old Friend on Jul 9, 2009 1:46 AM EDT up reply actions