Ryan Bader’s experience fighting UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones isn’t his fondest memory, but he did get a taste of the talent “Bones” possesses.

So when Bader openly states his belief that Anthony Johnson could be the one to dethrone the longtime 205-pound champ, his opinion is taken a little more seriously than most.

Johnson’s talent has never been in doubt. However, when “Rumble” torched Alexander Gustafsson for a first-round knockout victory in January’s UFC on FOX 14 headliner, he solidified his position as a valid title contender.

Bader admits he was somewhat skeptical of Johnson before. After witnessing his blowout of Gustafsson first hand, though, he became far more attentive to what the next No. 1 contender has to offer.

“Anthony Johnson’s a beast,” Bader told MMAjunkie. “He went out there throwing big punches and he was relentless. He hurt (Gustafsson), then kept on him and finished the fight. He definitely deserves that title shot, and it’s going to be a great fight between him and Jones, for sure. He brings a different style than what Jones has been seeing. I’m very interested to see how that goes down.”

Bader crossed paths with Jones at UFC 126 in February 2011. Both were considered future contenders at the time, but Jones had his breakthrough performance that night and won the world title in his very next bout.

Jones’ ability to break down opponents, beat them at their own strengths and exploit previously unknown weaknesses is an unmatched talent for a competitor of his caliber. Bader experienced all that en route to a second-round submission loss.

While Jones has improved in leaps and bounds since he shared the octagon with “Darth” nearly four years ago, it’s arguable he’s never faced anyone quite like Johnson.

Johnson’s knockout power in a live combat situation is something that cannot be prepared for in the practice room. He has the ability to turn a fight on its head at any moment due to one strike.

Bader doesn’t know if Johnson’s knockout power mixed with his other skills will be enough to halt Jones’ consecutive title defense streak at eight. However, he does know it will give him a far greater chance at victory than most when he meets Jones in their title fight, which is targeted for May at UFC 187 in Las Vegas.

“I think he’s going to give Jon a good fight,” Bader said. “He’s got just as good a chance as anybody. Especially in MMA with these little gloves, anything can happen.

“Jones has fought everyone in the 205-pound division. He’s fought wrestlers; he’s fought strikers, fast guys and the whole deal. If you’re in there long enough, sooner or later you’re going to get beat. Anthony Johnson can definitely do that.”

Bader is coming off a UFC on FOX 14 victory of his own. He defeated Phil Davis by split decision for his fourth consecutive UFC victory. His next bout is not scheduled at this time, though “The Ultimate Fighter 7” winner said he anticipates a matchup with Gustafsson, Daniel Cormier or Rashad Evans.

For more on UFC 187, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.