Ryan Bader knocked out Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 214 to not only win the heavyweight grand prix tournament, but to become the heavyweight and light heavyweight champion at the same time, the first champ champ in Bellator history. Some of used this victory and tournament to suggest their longstanding view of Bader has been vindicated.
I’d offer that his run through the tourney and wins over King Mo, Matt Mitrione and Fedor force us to appreciate not merely the very best fighter in each weight class in the UFC, but the down roster talent that doesn’t always have an opportunity to show just how good they can be.
Props to Badar. I think Gegard Mousassi at Light Heavyweight would be a worthy challenge.
Dude these thumbnails are unbearable
Master Luke!
I think this is a good point. You have to be great to even come to the table. For instance, Chris Weidman has lost five out of his last six fights. Some may say that Weidman is done. But, I think it's more indicative of the level of competition as Chris Weidman is a fantastic fighter.
So basically your saying the lesson is not that Bader is a boring fighter but that he is amazing against guys that have been in the meat grinder got chewed up and have been for years past their prime . Well Bader makes the most uncomfortable grunts of all tine either way and also does some great charitable things so hats off to him
Phil Davis ran thru the Bellator LHW division and won the belt too. It’s obviously much lesser competition that makes these guys look so good.
Bader still kinda sucks, its Fedor that is an old fart now and don't realy fight nearly as well as he used to.
Thats why bader is willing to except dc super fight he knows he won a belt at a retirement home.
I can’t get over the stupid faces Luke makes in is thumb nail
Baders always been pretty great. Ufc belator crossover card should haooen soon