Ali Akbar Rosady
Former Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader has announced his forced withdrawal from his highly anticipated RIZIN debut, slated for the promotion’s prestigious New Year’s Eve event. The 42-year-old mixed martial arts stalwart revealed a severe and complex array of training camp injuries that necessitate immediate surgical intervention, effectively shelving his plans for a run at the RIZIN heavyweight title and pushing his potential return into 2026.
Bader, who recently secured his release from the Professional Fighters League (PFL) to embark on this new chapter with the Japanese organization, was scheduled to face Russian contender Alexander Soldatkin on the annual RIZIN card. However, his aspirations for a fresh start and a championship pursuit have been abruptly put on hold.
"Bad news guys sorry…I’m out of the Rizin NYE championship fight unfortunately," Bader communicated via an Instagram post, expressing profound regret over the unforeseen circumstances. "Sustained a pretty gnarly injury last week and was trying everything we could to get to the fight. MRI results came back and spoke to the doc and surgery is definitely needed. Headed to get surgery early next week to get on the better side of this."
The Arizona native conveyed deep disappointment, acknowledging the significance of the opportunity and apologizing to both RIZIN management and the fervent Japanese fanbase. "Was really looking forward to this one. Apologies to RIZIN and the Japanese fans, trust me I wanted to be there! Thank you to everyone involved in setting up this opportunity." Bader highlighted the rarity of such a setback in his extensive career, noting, "In 44 fights it’s the first one I’ve had to pull out of after starting training camp." He assured his followers of his commitment to a full recovery, stating, "All good here though, going to one of the best surgeons for this and be on the healing side of this next week."
Related News :
- Mavericks’ Spiral Deepens as ‘Fire Nico’ Chants Eclipse Flagg’s Historic Outing and Bucks’ Comeback
- Waldo Cortes-Acosta Rejects Integrity Compromise Amidst Escalating UFC Fight-Fixing Probes
- Oliveira Electrifies Home Crowd with Dominant Submission Victory Over Gamrot in Rio Headliner
- UFC 320: Championship Rematches and Strategic Prop Bets Command Attention in Las Vegas
- UFC Titans Jon Jones and Alex Pereira Eye Historic White House Bout Following Heavyweight Title Drama
The specific injuries detailed by Bader paint a picture of significant trauma to his core and groin region, impacting multiple critical muscle and connective tissue structures essential for an athlete of his caliber. On his right side, he reported a "near-complete detachment of the pubic plate plus rectus abdominis plus adductor aponeurosis," alongside "full-thickness tearing of the connected tissue" and "fluid tracking," indicating an "active, significant injury." The left side presented with a "partial detachment, partial tear of the pubic plate to rectus abdominis to adductor chain," further compounded by a "Rectus Abdominis = Grade 2 strain" and an "Adductor Longus = partial tear and tendinosis." These injuries collectively point to a substantial disruption of the abdominal and adductor complex, vital for hip movement, core stability, and explosive power in combat sports. Such injuries are particularly debilitating for fighters, directly affecting their ability to grapple, kick, and absorb impact.
The RIZIN New Year’s Eve event stands as a cornerstone of the global combat sports calendar, particularly revered in Japan for its historical lineage of major end-of-year spectacles. The card traditionally features a mix of high-profile international talent and homegrown stars, drawing significant viewership across Asia and beyond. Bader’s inclusion was anticipated to be a major draw, adding international prestige and a compelling narrative of a former dominant champion seeking new glory in a storied promotion. Alexander Soldatkin, his scheduled opponent, a formidable Russian heavyweight known for his aggressive style and impressive knockout power, will now await RIZIN’s decision regarding a replacement opponent or the cancellation of his planned bout. This sudden change poses an immediate challenge for RIZIN event planners to maintain the card’s competitive integrity and star power just weeks before the event, which is historically one of the promotion’s highest-profile offerings.
Ryan Bader’s career has been marked by consistent performance at the highest levels of mixed martial arts, demonstrating remarkable longevity and adaptability. He first gained widespread recognition as the light heavyweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 in 2008, embarking on a successful, albeit at times inconsistent, run in the UFC’s deep light heavyweight division. His tenure saw him defeat notable opponents such as Phil Davis, Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, and Antônio Rogério Nogueira, showcasing a powerful wrestling base complemented by improved striking. His overall professional record currently stands at [Insert current record, e.g., 31-8, if available or estimate based on 44 fights mentioned].
In 2017, Bader made a pivotal move to Bellator MMA, where his career trajectory soared. He quickly captured the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Phil Davis in a dominant performance. He then further cemented his legacy by entering and winning the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix in 2019, simultaneously becoming a rare two-division champion. His reign as Bellator’s heavyweight king was characterized by a methodical, wrestling-heavy approach that neutralized many opponents, securing him a place among the sport’s elite heavyweights. He successfully defended his heavyweight title multiple times against formidable challengers, showcasing his strategic prowess and durability.
Following a distinguished period with Bellator, Bader transitioned to the PFL, an organization known for its unique seasonal tournament format and a focus on merit-based advancement. His debut under the PFL banner, however, resulted in a first-round knockout loss to Renan Ferreira in February 2024. This unexpected defeat, coming early in the PFL season, prompted Bader to seek his release from the promotion, signaling a desire for different competitive avenues and perhaps a less demanding schedule than the PFL’s tournament format. This ultimately led him to RIZIN, a move that generated considerable excitement within the global MMA community. The prospect of Bader’s powerful wrestling and heavy ground-and-pound style clashing with RIZIN’s dynamic fight environment, which often features unique rulesets and a strong emphasis on finishing, was a highly anticipated element for fans and analysts alike.
The RIZIN heavyweight division, while perhaps not as deep with established top-10 global talent as some of its Western counterparts, offers compelling matchups and a platform for international stars. Bader’s entry was expected to inject significant competitive energy and star power, immediately positioning him as a top contender, if not an immediate title challenger, in a division that has seen various champions and interim champions over its history. The current landscape of the division features a mix of established veterans and rising talents, with the championship picture often shaped by international crossover bouts and tournament formats. Bader’s experience and pedigree would have made him an instant force, and his withdrawal leaves a void in the immediate championship conversation, potentially delaying the crowning of a clear divisional king or altering the path for existing contenders.
The path to recovery for an athlete of Bader’s age, particularly from such extensive core and adductor injuries, is often challenging and prolonged. While Bader expressed confidence in seeking treatment from a top surgeon, the timeline for his return remains undisclosed. These types of injuries typically require several months of intensive rehabilitation following surgery before an athlete can even consider resuming full-intensity training, let alone competitive fighting. Athletes in their early 40s often face longer recovery periods and greater difficulty regaining peak physical condition compared to younger counterparts. Given his stated hope for a return in 2026, it suggests a significant period of recuperation and physical therapy lies ahead, indicating a minimum of 9-12 months out of active competition.
Beyond his fighting career, Bader has also been expanding his professional portfolio into acting. He recently completed his first major acting role in The Smashing Machine, a biographical drama focusing on the life of former UFC champion Mark Kerr, opposite Hollywood superstar Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. This venture into Hollywood highlights Bader’s ambition to cultivate a multi-faceted career beyond the cage, though his current focus will undoubtedly shift entirely to his physical recovery and the demanding rehabilitation process that awaits him.
Ryan Bader’s withdrawal from the RIZIN New Year’s Eve title fight marks a considerable setback in his career, disrupting what was intended to be a high-profile debut with a new promotion and a fresh challenge. The severity of his injuries underscores the inherent risks associated with elite-level combat sports training. As he prepares for surgery and a lengthy rehabilitation process, the combat sports world will keenly watch for updates on the recovery of one of its most durable and accomplished heavyweights, anticipating his eventual return to the competitive arena. The immediate future for Bader is now defined by medical procedures and meticulous recovery, rather than the thrill of competition, as he aims to overcome this significant physical challenge and potentially plot a comeback in 2026.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
MMANovember 18, 2025UFC 321: Aspinall vs. Gane Headlines Abu Dhabi Card for Undisputed Heavyweight Championship
MMANovember 18, 2025UFC President Dana White Defends Talent Promotion Strategy Amidst ‘Privilege’ Accusations
MMANovember 18, 2025Giants Rookies Skattebo and Carter Embroiled in Ringside Melee with WWE’s Judgment Day at Madison Square Garden ‘Raw’ Event
MMANovember 18, 2025Alex Pereira Intensifies Heavyweight Pursuit Following UFC 321 Injury Drama, Jon Jones Signals Acceptance for Proposed White House Clash
arthur roy sitompul
Anshari Taslim
rifan muazin
alina maya