INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- It took a year to get from the start of the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix, and just 35 seconds to finish it.
The latter was how long it took for Ryan Bader to become the first champ-champ in Bellator MMA’s 10-year history on Saturday night. Facing off against legendary Fedor Emelianenko, Bader’s first blow of the fight was a gigantic left hand on the jaw, which dropped his Russian foe and led to the finish.
With the victory in the main event of Bellator 214 at the Forum, the Bellator light heavyweight champion won the vacant heavyweight belt in addition to claiming the tournament championship.