Bellator champion Ryan Bader wants a rematch against UFC tormentor Lyoto

R. Bader (photo) wants to fight L. Machida. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ryanbader

First athlete to win two belts in different categories (light heavyweight and heavyweight) at Bellator, Ryan bader used his prestige to satisfy a personal desire. The athlete wants a new fight against the Brazilian Lyoto Machida, by whom he was defeated in 2012, in a duel for the UFC. In an interview with 'MMA Junkie' the North American confirmed his desire to face the 'Dragon' again.

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“(Lyoto) Machida is definitely a fight I want. I want to make up for the loss I had in 2012. This is a great fight that I'm also looking forward to,” said Ryan.

In 2012, Lyoto was among the biggest names in world MMA. Three years earlier, in 2009, the Brazilian held the light heavyweight belt, a title he would lose the following year, in a rematch against Mauritius Shogun. In the fight before Bader, Lyoto was defeated by the current holder of the belt, Jon Jones. With the victory over Ryan, Lyoto returned to his climb to the top of the category.

On that occasion, the North American was defeated by knockout in the second round, bringing about a bitter end that, apparently, has not been digested to this day.

The current situation is totally different. Bader is one of Bellator's stars and holds two belts. Machida, in turn, recently joined the new company and only fought in two fights; the last one, two weeks ago, when he surpassed Chael Sonnen by knockout, determining the loudmouth's retirement.

Ryan debuted for Bellator in 2017, after his contract with the UFC was not renewed. Since then, the athlete has had five clashes and has not yet been defeated. Among them, he overcame names like Phill Davis, winning the light heavyweight title on his debut; and, in January of this year, he beat the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, winning the heavyweight belt.

The 36-year-old athlete, however, expects to make his first defense in the top category against veteran Cheick Kongo, also ex-UFC. The organization, however, did not confirm the date for the meeting.