Ryan Bader felt the time was right for a change.
After more than a year away from PFL competition, largely due to his role in the upcoming Mark Kerr biopic, The Smashing Machine, the Bellator heavyweight champion began considering his future. Uncertainty about his next fight with PFL led to amicable discussions with the promotion about a release. Despite having one fight remaining on his contract, Bader emphasizes there`s no animosity with PFL following their separation.
“Leaving PFL was largely my initiative,” Bader clarified regarding his decision. “Considering my Bellator heavyweight title status and the merger with PFL, the landscape felt a bit unclear. Questions arose about championships and tournament structures.”
“I anticipated a considerable wait before my next fight, and the situation seemed uncertain. We had productive talks with PFL and mutually agreed to separate. The outcome was positive, they treated us well, and I genuinely enjoyed my time with Bellator. I`ll always remember that period fondly.”
Bader`s sole PFL appearance resulted in a loss to Renan Ferreira in February 2024, a fight that determined who would face Francis Ngannou.
Shortly after that fight, Bader received an unexpected opportunity to join the cast of The Smashing Machine, alongside Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt.
Filming for the movie occupied Bader for several months, and he appreciates PFL`s understanding and flexibility in allowing him to pursue this opportunity while still under contract.
“PFL was supportive of the movie project, telling me to pursue it and that they would be there afterwards,” Bader stated. “I was pleased we reached a mutually agreeable resolution later. It was simply the right move. I have nothing but positive things to say about both organizations. Everything is good.”
While several factors contributed to Bader’s PFL departure, his current career stage was a significant consideration.
At 41, Bader acknowledges his remaining time in the sport is limited, and he wasn`t enthusiastic about participating in another PFL tournament. Furthermore, potential matchups seemed limited, possibly leading to rematches with fighters he had already faced in Bellator.
“I felt I had accomplished much of what I set out to do,” Bader explained. “My Bellator tenure was fantastic, but even then, we were revisiting familiar opponents. I sensed a similar pattern emerging. The tournament format is challenging because of the financial commitment required to pay my purse multiple times in a single year, which is understandable. So, that wasn`t a viable option. I considered potentially having three quick fights and then retiring, but the movie opportunity arose, occupying my summer, and I haven`t fought in a while.”
“For me, the timing was perfect. It eliminated some uncertainty, even though I`m now navigating a different kind of unknown, but one where I have more control over my direction. We are content with where we are. I had a great experience with both organizations. We`ll see what comes next. I believe there will be something else, at least one more fight.”
Now a free agent for the first time since 2017, when he left the UFC for Bellator, Bader is aware of the options before him.
Similar to his PFL departure, Bader left the UFC on good terms and has maintained a positive relationship with the organization, even returning to The Ultimate Fighter to assist Michael Chandler as a coach.
Could a UFC return be on the cards for Bader`s final fights?
“My manager and I have discussed how appealing it would be to return for even just one more fight,” Bader admitted about a potential UFC comeback. “To conclude my career where it began. We are definitely open to it. The movie also opens up interesting possibilities, such as fighting in RIZIN in Japan. The movie is largely set in Japan, and Mark Coleman, whom I portray, achieved significant victories there. That could be an intriguing angle as well. The UFC is also a compelling option.”
“However, realistically, do I want to fight four more times? Probably not. From the UFC’s perspective, it would likely be a farewell arrangement, perhaps one or two fights.”
The UFC isn`t his only avenue. Bader mentioned receiving immediate interest from other promotions upon his PFL release.
“I’m keeping all doors open,” Bader said. “We are already in preliminary discussions with RIZIN. They contacted us quickly and presented some interesting possibilities. I`m also open to grappling on UFC Fight Pass, and perhaps even a boxing opportunity, something fun.”
“Throughout my life, I’ve been driven to compete and be the best – from collegiate wrestling to MMA, Ultimate Fighter, 20 UFC fights, and Bellator. My mindset has always been focused on winning.”
Ultimately, Bader wants to enjoy his remaining fights without the pressure of chasing titles or top rankings.
Having reached the pinnacle of the sport multiple times, Bader is now seeking enjoyable experiences as his career nears its end.
“I want my next steps to be enjoyable, something fun,” Bader concluded. “To experience fight camp one last time and have that feeling of entering the cage again. To put in the work, achieve a result, and experience that post-win feeling of accomplishment. There’s no better feeling.”
“I`m not setting a specific number of fights. It depends on the opponents and opportunities. As I said, I’ll always be competitive. I’m not pursuing another title run. I’m looking for maybe one more exciting fight, or perhaps two if the right opportunity arises. My mindset is still to win when I step into the cage, but it’s different from the pressure I felt before to win and defend titles. It’s liberating. Financially, it needs to be sensible too. We’ve already received some very interesting offers, and we have time to consider our next move.”
