Ryan Bader of Bellator Champion explained why he chose to say goodbye to PFL.
Bader (31-8-1) is now a free agent after the PFL failed to clarify the future of his fight. He set out in one fight to his deal, but unlike some other fighters in the promotion, the split was friendly.
“When they got Bellator and Bellator was no longer there, it all seemed to be in the air,” Bader told Submission Radio. “Who’s the champion – this and that. I’m coming as the champion of Bellator, I really couldn’t fight anyone.
“So it was like finding someone or something like that and I didn’t know how long it would be, so I wanted to get something faster than I would later.
Badder was asked about the UFC and began his tenure in 2008 after winning season 8 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” The 41-year-old fought many big names in the Octagon, including John Jones, Quinton Jackson, Rashad Evans, Tito Ortiz, Lyoto Masida and Glover Teisheira.
He is accepting UFC returns if he can get another fight.
“My manager and I talked about it and talked about how cool it is, kind of a complete circle, coming back and at least retired at the UFC and others. “I don’t know if they’re in the business of doing it, but we definitely thought about it. It’s going to be a cool scenario.”
Another potential avenue that budders can explore is GFL, who has signed famous veterans such as Urijah Faber, Luke Rockhold and Anthony Pettis.
“I asked a little about that,” Badder said. “Obviously, what money are they throwing in? It’s (it’s) like a sword like a double sword. Can you stay with that money? There, get a big paycheck, and you get a few of your money for us.
“They don’t actually prove themselves as long as they have a fight, promoter license, something like that. So it’s just one of the deals that they need to see them have real cards. They’re throwing more money than both (UFC and PFL). Yes, they throw money with these established names.
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