Former UFC contender and Bellator double-champion Ryan Bader has officially parted ways with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), marking a significant shift in the heavyweight division. The 41-year-old veteran, who once reigned as both Bellator’s light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, now enters free agency after a brief and unsuccessful stint under the PFL banner.
Bader’s departure comes at a time when several former Bellator stars are leaving PFL, following the 2023 acquisition of Bellator. With Bellator officially merged into PFL in 2025, many of its biggest names have sought opportunities elsewhere. This raises a major question: where will Bader go next?
A decorated career across three major promotions
Ryan Bader first made his name by winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 8, joining the UFC as an undefeated light heavyweight prospect in 2008. His early success saw him compile a 12-0 record, before suffering his first professional loss to Jon Jones at UFC 126 in 2011.
Despite this setback, Bader continued his run in the UFC, earning victories over top names like Phil Davis, Rashad Evans, and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira. His five-fight win streak between 2015 and 2016 put him in title contention, but after falling short, he made a bold move to Bellator in 2017.
Success in Bellator: Becoming a two-division champion
Bader’s move to Bellator MMA marked the most successful period of his career. In his promotional debut at Bellator 180, he defeated Phil Davis via split decision to capture the light heavyweight championship. However, his biggest accomplishment came in 2019 when he moved up to the heavyweight division, knocking out MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko in just 35 seconds to claim the Bellator heavyweight title.
With that victory, Bader became Bellator’s first-ever two-division champion, holding both the light heavyweight and heavyweight belts simultaneously. He went on to defend the heavyweight title three times, setting the record for most title defenses in the division’s history.
However, his reign at light heavyweight ended in 2020, when he lost to Vadim Nemkov. While Bader remained a dominant force in the heavyweight division, Bellator’s acquisition by PFL in late 2023 would drastically change his career trajectory.
PFL acquisition and a disappointing transition
After PFL purchased Bellator, Bader became part of its new heavyweight division, but his time with the promotion was short-lived. In February 2024, he fought at PFL vs. Bellator Champions in Saudi Arabia, where he suffered a 21-second knockout loss to Renan Ferreira.
Following that defeat, Bader did not compete again, and as PFL moved to integrate former Bellator fighters, he was among several high-profile names, including Patricio Pitbull and Aaron Pico, who chose to leave the organization.
His manager, Dave Martin, confirmed the departure, stating:
Ryan had a great run at Bellator with every single fight being either a title fight or a Grand Prix bout. We appreciate PFL recognizing his contributions and helping facilitate a departure that Ryan was happy with.
Where will Ryan Bader fight next?
At 41 years old, Bader’s future in MMA remains uncertain. While he still has name value and a strong résumé, most top organizations are shifting focus towards younger talent. However, there are still a few possible destinations for the former champion:
- A return to Bellator under a new banner – If PFL revives the Bellator brand in some form, Bader could be brought back as an experienced heavyweight figure.
- UFC return for a final run – Though unlikely, UFC has re-signed former fighters in the past, and Bader’s previous run in the promotion was impressive.
- ONE Championship or RIZIN – Promotions in Asia could be interested in adding a former two-division champion to bolster their heavyweight roster.
- Retirement – With over 40 fights in his career, Bader could decide to step away from the sport.
Final thoughts
Ryan Bader’s departure from PFL marks the end of yet another chapter in his long and decorated career. A former UFC contender, Bellator double-champion, and PFL competitor, he has fought some of the biggest names in the sport and built a legacy as one of MMA’s most accomplished heavyweights.
