Since Ryan Bader couldn’t come to terms to compete on New Year’s Eve at Rizin FF 20, he wants their light heavyweight champion to come to him.
Bellator heavyweight and light heavyweight champ Bader (27-5 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) was initially hoping to potentially challenge Rizin FF’s 205-pound champ Jiri Prochazka, but instead, his teammate C.B. Dolloway got the opportunity.
Prochazka (26-3-1) made quick work of Dolloway, knocking him out in the first round at Rizin FF 20 as he retained the title in emphatic fashion. Following the fight, Bader called out Prochazka, but this time offered to put his light heavyweight title on the line.
“Congrats @jirkaprochazka We couldn’t make it happen in @rizin_PR so let’s do this in the @bellatormma cage. LHW title on the line 👊🏽”
And it appears that Prochazka is game.
“First I need to make my exams in school, then will be time for fun.”
Bader hasn’t defended his 205-pound title since his first round TKO over Linton Vassell at Bellator 186 in 2017. In his last outing, Bader’s fight with Cheick Kongo at Bellator 226 in September, was ruled a no contest due to an accidental eye poke, meaning he retained his heavyweight title.
After negotiations to compete at Rizin FF failed, Bader said he was targeting a return in February, and hopes to have found his next challenger in Prochazka, as he seeks a high-profile matchup, and an opportunity to avenge his teammate Dolloway’s loss.
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