About Ryan Bader

Ryan DuWayne Bader (born June 7, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist. He is the current champion in both the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions of Bellator MMA. Prior to signing with Bellator, Bader competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the Light Heavyweight division. There, Bader achieved success as a top 5 Light Heavyweight contender and he compiled a UFC record of 15-5. He was a cast member and winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir. He is currently ranked the #2 Light Heavyweight and the #7 pound for pound fighter in the world by MMAjunkie.com. He is the first fighter to hold belts in two divisions simultaneously in Bellator history. His nickname is Darth Bader, which refers to Star Wars antagonist character Darth Vader.