Outside Source
Ryan Bader is a free agent again.
The former Bellator heavyweight champion has amicably parted ways with PFL despite having one fight left on his contract. He last appeared in the promotion back in February 2024 when he suffered a loss to Renan Ferreira, which was ultimately his only fight with the PFL.
Sources close to the situation confirmed the news to MMA Fighting on Thursday. Ariel Helwani first reported the news.
Following the fight against Ferreira in 2024, Bader crossed over to acting after landing a supporting role alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in the upcoming film The Smashing Machine, which is based on the life of UFC and PRIDE veteran Mark Kerr.
After filming wrapped, Bader revealed that he still has one fight left on his deal with PFL, but he wasn’t sure when he might return to action. Now Bader has split with the PFL making him a free agent, but it remains to be seen where he’ll fight next.
Over the past few years, Bader reinvented himself as a heavyweight with a 6-1 record with one no-contest in eight fights. His only loss came in the fight against Ferreira, but he scored wins over names such as Cheick Kongo, Valentin Moldavsky and PRIDE legend Fedor Emelianenko.
Of course, Bader also has plenty of history at light heavyweight, which is where he fought in the UFC for most of his career. That said, Bader previously stated that he had no desire to cut back down to 205 pounds again so it’s likely he’s sticking at heavyweight for the future.
Where he ends up is unknown, but Bader is now free to sign with any promotion after receiving his release from the PFL.
This article first appeared at MMA Fighting – All Posts
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