Bader is expected to play for Bellator in 2017. (Photo: Getty Images)
the trajectory of Ryan bader in the UFC seems to be close to the end. Number four in the light heavyweight rankings, the American, who is without a contract with Ultimate, made no bones about hiding the fact that he is negotiating with Bellator, a direct competitor of the organization chaired by Dana White. According to the fighter, the proposal received from the company that could be his new home left him very excited.
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“Obviously we negotiated. It would be idiotic to say no. We went back and forth, but it didn't take long to reach an agreement that pleased everyone. As he said, he was involved in every situation. I flew in and met with Rich Chou and Scott Cocker [president of Bellator], we sat down and had lunch. That's when I asked my questions, you know… What's the plan, what's Bellator going to do in the future and that kind of stuff. And I was impressed”, he declared in an interview with the program 'Submission Radio' (USA).
In the UFC since 2008, when he became the winner of TUF 8, by defeating Brazilian Vinny Magalhães in the final of the reality show, Bader made a point of highlighting that his imminent move to Bellator is not motivated by the money he will receive, but by your professional goals. For him, the opportunity to become world champion and win the belt is essential.
“For me this is not just about who pays me the most money. There are more things involved. I'm at the best point of my career, physically and mentally. I'm the best fighter I've ever been and regardless of the organization I'm in, I'm going to win the belt. […] I'm not the guy who says, 'Okay, I'm going to Bellator because I lost a lot of fights in the UFC and I'm going to have a few more and then end my career.' It's not even the case. I will go there with the intention of winning the belt”, he concluded.
At 33 years old, Bader had 20 fights in Ultimate, accumulating 15 wins and just five losses. In his most recent performance, he knocked out the Brazilian Rogério Minotouro No. UFC Sao Paulo, held in November last year.
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