Ryan Bader lost the Bellator light heavyweight title, and his “champ champ” status, at Bellator 244, but “Darth” was in a positive frame of mind when he posted to social media to give his personal reaction to his defeat.
Bader (27-6 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) was finished in the second round by Russia’s Vadim Nemkov in the main event at Mohegan Sun Arena on Friday night as he fell to his first defeat since his January 2016 loss to Anthony Johnson at UFC on Fox 18.
But while he may be frustrated and upset to have lost his light heavyweight title, Bader is staying positive, and said he will bounce back with a vengeance when he defends his heavyweight title next time out.
“Well, not the result we were after, but it’s the game we play. I’m all good and appreciate the support!” he posted to Twitter Saturday night.
“I freaking hate to lose, but as always I’ll keep working my ass off. Lost one belt but still have that heavyweight belt on my shoulder and will be better than ever.”
Bader is undefeated as a heavyweight, having scored big wins over Muhammad Lawal, Matt Mitrione and Fedor Emelianenko as he won the Bellator heavyweight grand prix, and the promotion’s heavyweight title, in January 2019.
He later faced French contender Cheick Kongo in his first title defense, but his bout was ruled a no-contest after he was adjudged to have poked Kongo in the eye in the first round of their matchup at Bellator 226.
