For many years, Ryan Bader (24-5 MMA, 15-5 UFC, 2-0 Bellator) was the understudy to the top tier at 205 pounds in the UFC. Despite his blue-chip wrestling pedigree and destructive power, Bader fell just short when the stakes were highest.
It’s safe to say he’s leaving that legacy in the past. Riding a four-fight win streak in which he captured the Bellator light heavyweight championship in June, Bader is now poised as the favorite to win a second title. Although Bellator’s Heavyweight Grand Prix does not truly represent the elite big men in the sport today, winning the tournament as a light heavyweight would be both hilarious and legendary.