Ryan Bader parts ways with PFL MMA

MMA just got a new free agent.  News broke this week that Bellator MMA Heavyweight Champion Ryan Bader has officially parted ways with the Professional Fighters League.  Bader who last competed in February of 2024 where he suffered a loss to Renan Ferreira has been sidelined while filming his roles in “The Smashing Machine” movie which is set to premier later this year as a biopic around the of Mark Kerr where Ryan Bader plays the part of Mark Coleman.  Mega Star The Rock is set to play Mark Kerr in the blockbuster film.

Bader who is 41 has several heavyweight title defenses for Bellator MMA including wins over Valentin Moldavsky, Cheick Kongo, and Fedor Emelianenko.  News originally broke with Ariel Helwani reporting on his show before Bader took to social media to confirm.

“PFL and our team came up with terms we were both happy agreeing on with one fight remaining on contract.  The bellator run was one for the books. What a blast, and being surrounded by great people running that org. I’m still open to different opportunities in the fight game. The Smashing Machine movie will be released somewhat soon and it will be an exciting year for sure.  Big thanks Mike Kogan for always treating the fighters with respect which is something rare in this game and Scott Coker and the rest of the Bellator team what a time that was.”