Rashad Evans wants to fight Ryan Bader when he returns

Former light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans has not fought since November 2013, when he stopped Chael Sonnen via first-round TKO. Since that time, "Suga" has continued to lead his Blackzilians team, and do television commentary work, in addition to undergoing two knee surgeries.

Last month, Rashad told our own Damon Martin that he is hoping for and on pace to make a return to competition this September. UFC Tonight's Ariel Helwani reported Wednesday that Evans also has an opponent in mind for his return engagement.

According to the report, Evans wants to face none other than Daniel Cormier's latest press conference scuffle partner Ryan Bader. Bader, of course, was set to fight Cormier June 6 before DC got plucked from the New Orleans card and placed in the UFC 187 main event against Anthony Johnson for the UFC's 205 pound title.

Cormier beat Johnson, and is now the division's new king. Bader still wants to fight Cormier, this time for the title.

He's made a decent case for the shot in the Octagon, having won four straight fights, and five out of his last six. For his part, Cormier seems quite interested in the fight, as well.

Perhaps seeing that Bader's name is in title contention talks, Evans wants to take on the fellow wrestler because he thinks that a win over "Darth" would put him right back in the UFC's light heavyweight championship challenger mix. Indeed, Evans has won his last two fights, and six out of his last eight.

The 35-year-old is tired of watching the division and the UFC pass him by as he's healed injuries, and so we can't blame him for trying to get right back in there against the very best at 205 pounds. Time will tell if he'll get his wish, or if Bader will get his, and a fight against Cormier.

Evans and Cormier were once scheduled to fight, as well, before a knee injury forced Rashad off the card. The UFC's glamor division is rich with competition at the top, now that stripped former champ Jon Jones is out of the picture for the time being.

We'll keep you posted as this story develops.