The light heavyweight division just got a whole lot tougher.

The light heavyweight division has long been considered the most competitive division in the UFC, and now a trio of fast rising prospects in Phil "Mr Wonderful" Davis, Ryan "Darth" Bader, and Jon "Bones" Jones. However for the time being Davis isn't quite in the league of Bader and Jones.

However Jones and Bader have finally reached an impasse where they can no longer avoid being matched up in "Battle of Prospects". Now a loss for either man doesn't mean they were overrated or no longer deserve praise, far from it in fact. No matter who wins this fight you can be sure there will be rematches in the future.

Now on to the fight itself...

UFC 126 is set for February 5th in Vegas and on that night this long awaited match-up will finally come to fruition. Bader(12-0) will do battle with Jones(11-1) in easily the biggest fight of both mens budding careers. This fight will answer a lot of questions about both men, For Jones how will he handle one of the most dominant wrestlers in the division. For Bader how will he handle the explosiveness and athleticism of Jones. 

The Breakdown

Jones will come out quickly as usual both men will exchange for the opening two minutes. Following an exchange Bones will clinch on the fence with Bader. However with Bader's high level amateur wrestling background you can expect to not see the flashy throws that have becomes Jones's trademark. As the fight progresses it favors Bader more and more due to him being a drawn out affairs with Keith Jardine and  Rogerio Nogueira. This experience will provide Bader with the edge he needs to grind out a win over the fast rising Jones. Sooner or later with his wrestling neutralized Jones will become flustered and Bader will secure a few key takedowns in the final frame to secure the Unanimous Decision victory.

The Verdict: Ryan Bader via Unanimous Decision