Ryan Bader says he has no plans to return to the light heavyweight division

R. Bader is the current Bellator heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ryanbader

Former light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) and current leader of the up to 120,2kg division, Ryan bader made it clear that he does not intend to return to the category in which he was once 'king'. At the 'media day' before Bellator 273, which takes place next Saturday (29), the North American ruled out the possibility of returning to his old weight range and said that he feels faster and stronger at heavyweight.

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“Why fight again at 93kg? I feel great at heavyweight. I feel like I'm faster. I've always been so strong. My cardio is a weapon at this weight. For me, these are the benefits (of staying in the category)”, said Bader.

Ryan claimed that he moved down to the 93kg division, just because he wanted the US$ 1 million prize, given to the winner of the tournament, but ruled out a new category change.

“The advantage of having dropped down in weight class in these last two fights is that you have the potential to win a big prize, make good money, all that kind of stuff. The change had its benefits. But now, what's the point? Why?” concluded Ryan.

An MMA professional since 2007, Bader was hired by Bellator in 2017 and had an initial winning streak, winning two belts. After losing the light heavyweight title to Vadim nemkov, the American will now defend the only reign he still has left, that of the heavyweights. Ryan will face Valentin Moldavsky at Bellator 273, which will take place next Saturday.