Ryan Bader
Biography
Ryan Bader, born on June 7, 1983, in Tempe, Arizona, USA, is an American mixed martial artist widely regarded as one of the most successful two-division champions in the sport's history. Known for his powerful wrestling base and evolving striking, Bader has achieved significant success in both the UFC and Bellator MMA.
Wrestling Excellence and Early Career: Bader's athletic journey began in wrestling at the age of seven. He excelled throughout his high school years at Robert McQueen High School in Reno, Nevada, where he won two state championships and was ranked as high as fourth in the country. His wrestling prowess continued at Arizona State University, where he was a three-time PAC-10 Champion (2003, 2004, and 2006) and a two-time All-American.
After a highly successful amateur wrestling career, Bader transitioned to mixed martial arts in early 2007. He quickly made his mark as a contestant on season 8 of The Ultimate Fighter, ultimately winning the light heavyweight tournament in December 2008.
UFC Stint and Bellator Dominance: Bader compiled an impressive 15-5 record in the UFC, facing many of the division's top contenders. His notable victories in the UFC include wins over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, Phil Davis, and Rashad Evans.
In 2017, Bader signed with Bellator MMA, where he truly cemented his legacy. He quickly captured the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship and then made history by winning the Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix, becoming the promotion's first-ever simultaneous two-division champion. He successfully defended his heavyweight title multiple times, holding the record for the most consecutive heavyweight title defenses in Bellator MMA history.
Recent Career and Acting Debut: In February 2024, Bader participated in a "PFL vs. Bellator Champion of Champions" Super Fights World Heavyweight Championship bout. While he lost this fight, he remains a prominent figure in the combat sports world.
Beyond the cage, Ryan Bader has also ventured into acting. He is known for appearances in "Countdown to UFC" (2011) and "UFC on Fox" (2011), and is set to appear in the upcoming film "The Smashing Machine" (2025), where he will play Mark Coleman.
Ryan Bader's career is defined by his consistent high-level performance, his ability to adapt and excel in multiple weight classes, and his transition from a wrestling prodigy to a celebrated mixed martial arts champion. He has been married to Daisy since October 30, 2010, and they have three children.
