Cormier Gets Louisiana Homecoming Against Bader in June

The UFC will return to New Orleans for the first time since 2011 on June 6, as Louisiana’s own Daniel Cormier begins his road back to a world title shot against fellow light heavyweight contender Ryan Bader.

The five-round main event will air live on FOX Sports 1 from the Smoothie King Center. Tickets go on sale on Friday, April 10.

A native of Lafayette, former Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier steps back into the Octagon for the first time since his hard-fought decision loss to light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in January. Owner of a 15-1 pro record, the popular 35-year-old currently sits at number three in the 205-pound rankings. At number five is former Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan Bader, who has won four straight in the talent-rich weight class, showing the best form of his UFC career.

UFC Fight Night: Cormier vs. Bader is the first event for the UFC in New Orleans since UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger on September 17, 2011, and the promotion’s eighth in Louisiana since 1998.