UFC President Dana White has revealed the UFC is allowing light heavyweight Ryan Bader go to Bellator MMA.
On Friday, during a Facebook Live interview with USA Today, White said the UFC will not match Bellator’s offer to sign Bader.
“We had told Ryan Bader he’s good to go,” White said. “We knew he was going to go to Bellator the entire time.
“I think Bellator is a good place for Ryan Bader. At this point in his career, I think it’s the right move for him.”
Bader became a free agent following his TKO win over Antonio Rogerio Nogueira in November.
Bader is on a two-fight win streak in the UFC and has won seven of his last eight fights. In September, he knocked out Ilir Latifi. Before a knockout loss to Anthony Johnson, Bader was on a five-fight win streak that included victories over Ovince Saint Preux and former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Rashad Evans.
Bader also has a recent victory over current Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion Phil Davis. With Bader signing with Bellator, he is already a top contender for the 205-pound title.
