"It’s a huge step up in competition. Top 5, top 10 guy, but that’s where I want to be. You're not going to progress not fighting those type of guys."

"I have huge amounts of respect for (Antonio Rogerio Nogueira) and his brother, what they’ve done for this sport and and what they’ve done in this sport. It’s a huge opportunity for me and why would I turn that down?"

"I’m not taking anything lightly judging from his last fight (against Jason Brilz ) at all. I just have to create scrambles and definitely use my power and land some shots and keep mixing stuff up."

"If there's anything I take from Lil' Nog is respect. I have to work my ass off in the gym."

"Accolades, everything goes out the window. It’s just you versus your opponent. I want to be the best. My ultimate goal is to be the champ and I have to go through these guys to do that."

-- Full video interview at ufc.com.

Ryan "Darth" Bader (11-0)
Win Keith Jardine - KO (Punch) UFC 110
Win Eric Schafer - Decision (Unanimous) UFC 104
Win Carmelo Marrero - Decision (Unanimous) UFC FN 18
Win Vinny Magalhaes - TKO (Punches) TUF 8 Finale

Antonio Rogerio "Minotoro" Nogueira (19-3)
Win Jason Brilz - Decision (Split) UFC 114
Win Luis Arthur Cane - TKO (Punches) UFC 106
Win Dion Staring - Submission (Triangle Choke) JF 13
Win Vladimir Matyushenko - KO (Knee) Affliction