Ryan Bader, the Bellator heavyweight champion, amicably parted ways with the PFL to explore new opportunities, including acting in a biopic and potentially returning to the UFC or competing in other promotions, as he approaches the end of his fighting career.
Ryan Bader just knew it was time.
More than a year had passed since his last appearance in the PFL. After landing a role in the Mark Kerr biopic The Smashing Machine, the Bellator heavyweight champ wasn’t sure when he’d compete again. This uncertainty led to a friendly split with the promotion, despite having one fight left on his contract. Surprisingly, there’s no bad blood between them.
"It was probably more my deal," Bader shared with MMA Fighting about leaving PFL. Being the Bellator heavyweight champ, he found it odd with all the mergers and tournaments happening around him.
"For me, I just felt like it’s going to be a little while [before I fight again]," he explained. They had a good talk and decided to part ways amicably. Bader cherishes his Bellator run and looks back fondly on those days.
Bader’s only PFL appearance ended in a loss to Renan Ferreira in February 2024. That fight determined who would face Francis Ngannou in his debut.
Not long after that bout, an unexpected opportunity arose. Bader got a call about starring alongside Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Emily Blunt in The Smashing Machine.
Once he secured the role, filming took up several months. The PFL graciously allowed him this time despite his contract obligations.
“With that movie they were great," Bader said. "I was happy we came to a deal afterwards." He appreciates both organizations and has nothing but good things to say about them.
At 41, Bader knows retirement looms near. He wasn’t keen on joining another PFL tournament or revisiting old matchups from Bellator.
"I felt like I didn’t have a ton to prove anymore," he admitted. His Bellator run was fun but repetitive, with recycled opponents and complicated tournament structures.
"For me, it was just perfect timing," Bader reflected on his career decisions. Now free from contracts since 2017, he’s exploring new opportunities.
Could he return to UFC for a final hurrah? Bader maintains good relations with them, even helping Michael Chandler on The Ultimate Fighter show.
"My manager and I definitely talked about how cool it would be to come back for even one more fight," Bader mused about UFC possibilities.
But does he want four more fights? Not really. A farewell deal with one or two bouts sounds more appealing.
The UFC isn’t his only option. RIZIN reached out quickly after his PFL release, offering intriguing prospects.
"I’m leaving everything open right now," Bader stated. He’s considering grappling on UFC Fight Pass or maybe even boxing.
A lifelong competitor, Bader wants to savor his final fights without pressure for titles or top 10 opponents.
He’s climbed those mountains before. Now he aims for fun and meaningful bouts as time ticks away.
"So I want to have something come up where it’s fun," Bader expressed. Training for perhaps one last fight excites him—the thrill of entering the cage and achieving victory.
"I’m not really putting a number [on fights left]," he concluded. It depends on opponents and opportunities—financially sensible ones too. Interesting offers are already on the table, and he’s taking his time to decide what’s next.