Ryan Bader Unexpectedly Parts Ways with PFL – What’s Next for “Darth”?

In a surprising turn of events that has the MMA world buzzing, former Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader is once again a free agent. Despite having one fight remaining on his contract, Bader and the Professional Fighters League (PFL) have agreed to go their separate ways in what’s being described as an amicable split.

This unexpected development opens up a world of possibilities for the 40-year-old veteran, who has consistently proven himself as one of the most durable and skilled competitors in the sport’s heavier divisions.

The End of the PFL Chapter

When PFL acquired Bellator MMA last November, Bader was one of the premier talents they inherited in the deal. With an impressive 31-7 record spanning his career across the UFC, Bellator, and briefly PFL, Bader’s departure raises interesting questions about both his future and the organization’s direction.

I’ve been following Bader’s career since his UFC days, and what makes this situation particularly intriguing is the timing. At 40, many fighters would be contemplating retirement, but Bader has shown remarkable longevity and continued competitive fire.

His last appearance in the cage came at Bellator 301 in November 2023, where he lost his heavyweight title to Vitaly Minakov via second-round TKO. Despite the setback, Bader’s stock remained high as a proven draw and elite competitor.

What’s Behind the Split?

While details remain limited, sources close to the situation suggest this wasn’t a contentious breakup. Unlike many fighter-promotion separations, which often involve contract disputes or public disagreements, this appears to be a mutual decision that benefits both parties.

For the PFL, which is still navigating its post-Bellator acquisition strategy, streamlining their roster makes sense. For Bader, the opportunity to test the free agency waters could lead to interesting opportunities in the twilight of his career.

Potential Landing Spots for Bader

Where might “Darth” Bader take his talents next? Here are the most logical destinations:

• UFC Return: A homecoming to where it all began could make for a compelling narrative. With the UFC always looking for recognizable heavyweight names, Bader could find himself back in the octagon.
• ONE Championship: The Asian promotion has been aggressive in signing Western talent, and Bader’s name recognition would be valuable to them.
• RIZIN or PRIDE Never Die: Japan has always appreciated American heavyweight talent, and these promotions could offer Bader intriguing matchups.
• Retirement: Though he hasn’t indicated this is his plan, we can’t rule out the possibility that Bader is simply looking to negotiate a favorable retirement bout.

You have to wonder if the UFC might be particularly appealing, given Bader’s unfinished business there. Having left the organization on a two-fight win streak back in 2017, there are numerous fresh matchups available against the current heavyweight roster.

Bader’s Legacy So Far

Few fighters can claim the kind of multi-promotional success that Ryan Bader has achieved. Let’s look at his accomplishments:

What makes Bader’s journey remarkable is how he transformed from a wrestling-focused fighter in his early UFC days to a well-rounded knockout threat during his Bellator tenure. His evolution as a fighter should be studied by younger athletes looking to extend their careers.

The Free Agency Chess Game

Free agency in MMA has changed dramatically in recent years. Unlike the past when the UFC was the only major destination, fighters now have legitimate options that can create bidding wars for their services.

For Bader, this free agency period comes at an interesting time in the sport. The heavyweight division across all promotions is constantly searching for credible contenders, and despite his age, Bader’s name value and proven drawing power make him an attractive signing.

I expect we’ll see movement on Bader’s future within the next 30-45 days, as promotions typically move quickly when established stars become available.

What’s Your Take?

Where would you like to see Ryan Bader fight next? Is a UFC return the most intriguing option, or would you prefer to see him test himself in a new promotion? His journey represents one of the most successful post-UFC careers we’ve seen, and his next chapter could be equally fascinating.

As developments occur in this story, we’ll provide updates on Bader’s next move. For a fighter who has consistently defied expectations throughout his career, counting out “Darth” Bader would be a mistake, regardless of where he lands next.

Insert image of Ryan Bader celebrating after a fight here