The UFC has guys who mentally quit the sport (Gus) in the top 5 along with MW journeymen like Anthony Smith and Santos and guys who arent ever going to hold a belt in their life. (Ozdemir) the UFC tries to sell these guys as elite LHWs when we all know they' re not that good. To put things in perspective, all it took for Reyes to get a title shot against Jones was wins over Ozdemir, split decision over Ozdemir and a KO over glassjawed MW Weidman. That shows how weak the UFC LHW division is. The real top 5 LHW action will take place on May 9th in Bellator when Vadim Nemkov fights Ryan Bader.
Let's not forget who Bader is.... He's the guy that got destroyed/embarrassed by Jones, Glover, Machida, and Rumble. The only reason he is looking good as of late is because he's fighting massively weaker competition. Santos would completely destroy Bader, as would Smith, Reyes, and Oezdemir.
Hydrated LHW Santos shook off bombs from Manuwa, Bader's glass chin would get sent to the neatherrealm.
Bader is the clear #2 in the world at LHW. He's still not close to Jones and would never beat him, but he beats everyone else. That doesn't count DC (HW) or Rumble (retired) of course.
You're delusional lol Santos is a MW journeyman who only beats guys who brawl with him. Bader would mop him like MW brazzo journeyman with no ground game that he is.
Bader got submitted by Tito, who got submitted by Chael. Santos would sub Bader in less than 90 seconds if it hit the mat.
I see Santos-Bader as a pick ‘em honestly. Really could go either way. Bader-Nemkov is a great fucking fight. Bader should be a moderate favorite, but not impossible for Nemkov to win it. Should be a good scrap.