Daniel Cormier became the first man to win light heavyweight and heavyweight belts simultaneously in the UFC. Shortly after, Ryan Bader conquered both titles under the Bellator banner with an impeccable run at the heavyweight tournament.
Bader won the 205-pound gold in his Bellator debut by defeating Phil Davis via split decision and defended it with a second-round finish over Linton Vassell. “Darth” didn’t think twice when Bellator announced its plans to hold a heavyweight grand prix, and he couldn’t have done better.
In an eight-month span, Bader dominated Matt Mitrione and knocked out “King Mo” Lawal and Fedor Emelianenko — in a combined time of 50 seconds — to win his second belt.