Bellator 290: The Forum; Englewood, California
So it’s an end of a 20-year era with Fedor Emelianenko for the second and final time hanging up the gloves. But even more history was made in the fight. Ryan Bader became the only one to beat him twice. And he did so again by 1st round TKO finish. So what is the next step for Ryan Bader to stay undefeated at heavyweight.
It was Bader’s fourth title defense in the division and he is starting to separate himself from the rest of the heavyweight roster. Although he hadn’t had a finish win since his 35-second finish of “The Last Emperor” back at Bellator 214 in January of 2019.
This one didn’t exactly go the same way. Emelianenko circled outside, but was keeping his hands low. And with the threat of a takedown, who could blame him. But Bader buzzed the top of the 46-year old Russian’s head, putting him on the canvas. Then the champion went down after him, applying non-stop ground-and-pound till referee Herb Dean had no choice but to waive off the fight at the 2:30 mark of the opening round.
Next Step For Ryan Bader Against The Division
There’s one of two ways Scott Coker can go right now. First have the winner of Valentin Moldavsky and Linton Vassell fight at Bellator 292 face Bader. Although he already has wins over both; and quite handily. Or back the Brinks Truck and sign free agent Francis Ngannou RIGHT NOW. Otherwise he may be parked for a long time till someone emerges from the doldrums.
Coker had said this week if Ngannou wants to box, it’s an easy slide for him with Bellator being part of Showtime Boxing’s family. However, Showtime/PBC is hemorrhaging money; and the entire company will most likely sooner than later be making drastic changes. If Ngannou is still hard for more fighter perks than just a financial contract for himself, he may find the same result as he did with the UFC. No major organization will be willing to give up a lot of their powers. At least until EVERY champion at the same time decided to drop their belts. But that’s an argument for another day.
Bader was asked about the likelihood of facing the former UFC champion this week. While he said all the right things, of course it was a thought in his mind. This would be his biggest pay-day.
Fedor’s Final Numbers
Emelianenko leaves with some crazy numbers. He finishes his career: 40-7 1 No Contest. 4-3 in his last 7 all via the 1st round. 35 fights finished in the opening round going 28-6 1 no contest. And 3-1 in rematches.
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