The era of Ryan Bader dominating Bellator MMA and the Professional Fighters League (PFL) has officially come to a close. Bader, a former two-division champion, faced a tough defeat that marked the end of his reign in these organizations. The fight took place on March 10, 2023, during the PFL's season kickoff event held in Las Vegas.
Bader entered the octagon with high expectations, having previously made history by becoming the first fighter to hold belts in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight categories simultaneously. However, in a pivotal match, he suffered a knockout in the second round against a determined opponent.
This defeat raises important questions about Bader's future in the world of mixed martial arts. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see if he chooses to continue fighting or retire from the sport. The end of Bader’s era signifies a major shift in the competitive landscape of both Bellator MMA and PFL, where emerging fighters now have the opportunity to ascend the ranks.
As the scene evolves, Bader's legacy remains significant, but with the door closing on one chapter, the spotlight moves to the new contenders ready to make their mark in the sport.