UFC 104: Machida vs. Shogun

UFC 104 will take place in the world famous Los Angeles Staple Center. Spike TV will be airing two preliminary bouts live. Now at first I thought it was really nice of them to televise the fights that no one ever pays attention to for free. However I just confirmed that it will be a light heavyweight match up that has a jiu-jitsu beast against a winner of The Ultimate Fighter.

 

Ryan Bader vs. Eric Schafer

 

If you have been living under a rock then you are probably not familiar with Bader. He emerged as the undegeated light heavyweight winner of TUF Season 8. Shafer is obviously the underdog in this match up. I'm sure Dana White is hoping Shafer doesn't turn out to be another Petruzelli. He has a proven record and his jiu-jitsu can be a threat to Bader but I doubt he can outwrestle him.

 

Bader had an incredible win over Vinny Magalhaes in his UFC debut when he knocked him out but many have criticised him for his less than impressive performace against Carmelo Marrero at UFC Fight Night 18. He seemed to be inconsistent for that fight with an opponent known for a weak guard. If Baders goes into Saturday's fight struggling with his offensive game he could get himself on our next Knuckle Sammich of the Week.