Ryan Bader announces RIZIN signing following Bellator departure

Ryan Bader has officially signed with RIZIN, marking a significant move in his MMA career. The former Bellator double champion will now compete in Japan, bringing his heavyweight experience to a new audience and promotion. This development puts him on course to meet the winner of RIZIN's ongoing heavyweight Grand Prix in a headline New Year's Eve bout.

Fans and analysts alike have followed Bader's free agency with interest, and his decision to join RIZIN adds intrigue to the heavyweight landscape. His debut is already being discussed as a potential high-stakes showdown, reflecting the anticipation around his next steps. Details on his opponent and the event are expected in the coming weeks, setting the stage for a major end-of-year clash in Japan.

Bader's move not only impacts his own career but also brings more attention to RIZIN's growing heavyweight division. As fight fans look ahead to the New Year's Eve card, the focus is squarely on how Bader will match up against Japan's top talent.

Ryan Bader Announces RIZIN Signing

Ryan Bader, the former Bellator double champion, has officially signed with RIZIN for a return to the ring. This move comes as he sets his sights on the top tier of Japanese MMA and aims for the heavyweight Grand Prix winner.

Details of the RIZIN Agreement

Ryan Bader’s deal with RIZIN was announced in early May 2025. The contract is focused on high-profile bouts, beginning with a planned debut at RIZIN’s New Year’s Eve event. He will face the winner of the organization’s ongoing heavyweight Grand Prix, making his entry a main event scenario.

Bader’s agreement signals a significant shift, as he leaves behind his longtime tenure as Bellator’s heavyweight and light heavyweight champion. There is particular interest in what promotional crossover might look like, given past collaborations between RIZIN and Bellator. The deal is notable within MMA circles for the attention it brings to RIZIN and for Bader’s reputation as a former UFC and Bellator standout.

Implications for Bader’s MMA Career

Bader’s signing with RIZIN comes after a lengthy and successful run as Bellator’s heavyweight and light heavyweight champion. He held both titles and defended them against top contenders, making him one of Bellator’s most decorated athletes. Prior to Bellator, he was a notable contender in the UFC light heavyweight division.

This new move to RIZIN, and especially the chance to headline a major event, offers Bader a fresh platform to extend his career. Competing internationally in Japan introduces him to new audiences and different competitive formats. This decision could reshape how veterans transition through top MMA organizations as they pursue fresh challenges.

Potential Matchups in RIZIN

Bader’s first scheduled fight is expected to be against the heavyweight Grand Prix winner at RIZIN’s year-end show. RIZIN’s heavyweight division has been growing, featuring a mix of Japanese and international talents. This provides Bader a range of potential opponents, from experienced strikers to submission specialists.

His debut could generate significant attention, creating intrigue around possible matchups with other ex-UFC and Bellator fighters now competing in Japan. RIZIN’s history of cross-promotional events also opens up the opportunity for further high-profile bouts. This move restores some spotlight on the heavyweight class in Japanese MMA and puts Bader at the center of upcoming headline fights.

Legacy and Notable Career Highlights

Ryan Bader's career in mixed martial arts includes championships across multiple divisions and memorable clashes with elite fighters. His journey from the UFC to champion stints in Bellator has established him as one of the sport's most durable and successful heavyweights and light heavyweights.

Bellator Achievements and Grand Prix Success

Bader became Bellator’s first fighter to hold both the heavyweight and light heavyweight titles at the same time. This accomplishment cemented his status at the top of two divisions. His run in the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix was especially notable, where he defeated opponents like

Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal and Matt Mitrione using dominant wrestling and striking.

He capped off the Grand Prix by securing a quick TKO win over the legendary Fedor Emelianenko in the finals, claiming the heavyweight belt. Bader's title defenses included matches against Cheick Kongo and Valentin Moldavsky, showing his consistent ability to compete at the highest level. His adaptability and well-rounded skill set were key themes in his Bellator tenure.

Memorable Fights and Rivals

Bader’s list of opponents features some of the most respected names in MMA. Victories over MMA veterans like Lyoto Machida and Phil Davis showcased his evolution as a fighter and his ability to strategize for different styles. His fights with Phil Davis were particularly competitive, with both men known for their wrestling, which often led to close decisions.

Although Bader never fought Israel Adesanya, Jon Jones, or Anthony Smith, he did spend several years in the UFC, facing top competitors such as Jon Jones, who remains one of the division’s most accomplished champions. After leaving UFC, matchups with Yoel Romero and rematches with familiar rivals added intrigue to his Bellator legacy. Notably, his rematch with Lyoto Machida resulted in a decisive win after he lost to Machida in UFC competition.

Transitioning Between MMA Promotions

Bader’s career features successful transitions between major promotions. After a lengthy run in the UFC, where he became a well-established contender, Bader moved to Bellator, immediately making an impact by winning championships in two weight classes. He remains one of the few fighters to have achieved this feat at the highest levels of MMA.

Recently, Bader announced his signing with RIZIN, signaling a new chapter as he prepares to challenge the heavyweight grand prix winner at RIZIN’s annual New Year’s Eve event. His career also briefly intersected with the Professional Fighters League (PFL) through free agency before the move to RIZIN.

Bader’s experience across organizations demonstrates his resilience and adaptability. Competing against top talent in the UFC, becoming a double champion in Bellator, and now entering RIZIN reflects his dedication and standing as a seasoned veteran.