Best fights of Ryan Bader
Over 17 years as a professional, Ryan Bader has compiled a 31-8 (16) record, including nine title fights across two weight classes. Here are his top 10 best fights.
1. Ryan Bader defeats Cheick Kongo
On September 7, 2019 Ryan Bader defended his Bellator heavyweight title against Cheick Kongo. Bader was 36 years old with a record of 27-5, and Kongo was 44 with a record of 30-10-2. Bader was on a 7-fight winning streak and Kongo was on a 8-fight winning streak. Bader won via no contest. Defended the title.
2. Ryan Bader KOs Fedor Emelianenko in 35 seconds
On January 26, 2019 Ryan Bader fought Fedor Emelianenko for the vacant Bellator Heavyweight and Bellator World Grand Prix heavyweight titles. Bader was 35 years old with a record of 26-5, and Emelianenko was 42 with a record of 38-5. Bader was on a 6-fight winning streak and Emelianenko was on a 2-fight winning streak. Bader stopped Fedor Emelianenko via TKO in the 1st round. Won the vacant titles.
3. Ryan Bader KOs Muhammed Lawal in 15 seconds
On May 12, 2018 Ryan Bader faced Muhammed Lawal in a heavyweight bout. Bader was 34 years old with a record of 24-5, and Lawal was 37 with a record of 21-6. Bader was on a 4-fight winning streak and Lawal was coming off a win. Bader stopped Muhammed Lawal via TKO in the 1st round.
4. Ryan Bader KOs Fedor Emelianenko in their 2nd fight
On February 4, 2023 Ryan Bader defended his Bellator heavyweight title against Fedor Emelianenko. It was their second meeting. Bader was 39 years old with a record of 30-7, and Emelianenko was 46 with a record of 40-6. Both Bader and Emelianenko were on a 2-fight winning streak. Bader stopped Fedor Emelianenko via TKO in the 1st round. Defended the title.
5. Ryan Bader defeats Phil Davis in their 2nd fight
On June 24, 2017 Ryan Bader fought Phil Davis for the Bellator light heavyweight title. It was their second meeting. Bader was 34 years old with a record of 22-5, and Davis was 32 with a record of 17-3. Bader was on a 2-fight winning streak and Davis was on a 4-fight winning streak. Bader won via split decision. Crowned the new light heavyweight champion.
6. Ryan Bader defeats Valentin Moldavsky
On January 29, 2022 Ryan Bader defended his Bellator heavyweight title against Valentin Moldavsky. Bader was 38 years old with a record of 28-7, and Moldavsky was 29 with a record of 11-1. Bader was coming off a loss, while Moldavsky was on a 6-fight winning streak. Bader won via unanimous decision. Defended the title.
7. Ryan Bader KOs Antônio Rogério Nogueira in their 2nd fight
On November 19, 2016 Ryan Bader faced Antônio Rogério Nogueira in a middleweight bout. It was their second meeting. Bader was 33 years old with a record of 21-5, and Nogueira was 40 with a record of 22-7. Both Bader and Nogueira were coming off a win. Bader stopped Antônio Rogério Nogueira via TKO in the 3rd round.
8. Ryan Bader KOs Linton Vassell
On November 3, 2017 Ryan Bader defended his Bellator light heavyweight title against Linton Vassell. Bader was 34 years old with a record of 23-5, and Vassell was 34 with a record of 19-5. Both Bader and Vassell were on a 3-fight winning streak. Bader stopped Linton Vassell via TKO in the 2nd round. Defended the title.
9. Ryan Bader defeats Rashad Evans
On October 3, 2015 Ryan Bader faced Rashad Evans in a light heavyweight bout. Bader was 32 years old with a record of 19-4, and Evans was 36 with a record of 19-3-1. Bader was on a 4-fight winning streak and Evans was on a 2-fight winning streak. Bader won via unanimous decision.
10. Ryan Bader defeats Antônio Rogério Nogueira
On September 25, 2010 Ryan Bader faced Antônio Rogério Nogueira in a middleweight bout. Bader was 27 years old with a record of 11-0, and Nogueira was 34 with a record of 19-3. Bader was on an undefeated 11-fight winning streak and Nogueira was on a 7-fight winning streak. Bader won via unanimous decision.