Ryan Bader

Ryan Bader is an American mixed martial artist and former collegiate wrestler who competes in Bellator MMA, where he has held both the heavyweight and light heavyweight titles. Born on June 7, 1983, in Reno, Nevada, Bader first gained national attention as a wrestler at Arizona State University, where he was a two-time All-American and three-time Pac-10 champion.

He rose to prominence in the MMA world by winning Season 8 of "The Ultimate Fighter" on the UFC platform in 2008. Over the next several years, he competed in the UFC's light heavyweight division, earning victories over notable fighters like Antônio Rogério Nogueira, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and Rashad Evans. Known for his powerful wrestling base and striking ability, Bader developed a reputation as a durable and well-rounded fighter.

In 2017, he signed with Bellator MMA and quickly made an impact by capturing the light heavyweight title. He later moved up to heavyweight and won the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, becoming the promotion's first simultaneous two-division champion. Bader has since focused more on the heavyweight division but continues to be a significant figure in both weight classes.