Ryan Bader vs Anthony Johnson to main event UFC on FOX 18 in Newark

With Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier, looking to "take a break" from competition -- while simultaneously beating back the social media advances of former champion Jon Jones -- top-ranked contender Ryan Bader was left with few options.

In fact, "Darth" was so focused on claiming the next 205-pound title shot that his camp proclaimed tepid interest in a showdown with former No. 1-ranked title challenger, Anthony Johnson, who warned The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 8 winner not to "run and hide."

Now, it seems Bader has no choice to "Rumble" with Johnson.

Indeed, Bader and Johnson will collide in the main event of UFC on FOX 18, which takes place inside Prudential Center in Newark, N.J., on Jan. 30, 2015, according to a report from "UFC Tonight" earlier this evening.

Bader -- who is fresh off his win over Rashad Evans at UFC 192 just last month -- is in the midst of a five-fight win streak. Johnson, meanwhile, came up short against Cormier this summer, succumbing to a rear-naked choke in round three. He has was 10 of his last 11 appearances, most recently squashing Jimi Manuwa two months ago.

In addition to Bader vs. Johnson, a Welterweight showdown between Jake Ellenberger vs. Tarec Saffiedine is also expected to appear on the FOX Sports-televised event. Other match ups include:

• Joaquim Silva vs. Olivier Aubin-Mercier
• Alexander Yakovlev vs. George Sullivan
• Felipe Oliveri vs. Tony Martin

Stay tuned to MMAmania.com for more news regarding UFC on FOX 18: "Bader vs. Johnson" as it develops.