Ryan DuWayne Bader, also known as “Darth,” is an accomplished American mixed martial artist currently signed to Bellator MMA. He is the reigning Bellator Heavyweight Champion.
Bader began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2007 and made his UFC debut in 2008. He has a record of 31 wins and 7 losses.
Notably, he became the first 2-belt champion in Bellator, a feat he achieved in less than 2 years.
Here, we have Ryan Bader’s net worth, career earnings, fight purse, biography, relationship status, and more.
Ryan Bader’s Net Worth Details
Ryan Bader’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025.
His net worth has steadily increased, from $650,000 in 2013 to $3 million in 2022. Bader’s earnings have been accumulated through his successful career as a fighter.
He has won numerous titles and awards throughout his career and has been involved in several high-profile fights, which have earned him significant paychecks.
Career Earnings
Bader’s career earnings from his fights in UFC and Bellator (excluding undisclosed bonuses and sponsorships) total approximately $2,961,000 as of October 2021.
Bader has stated that he earns “8, 9 times more” in Bellator than in UFC, indicating that his actual earnings are significantly higher than the disclosed amounts.
Fight Purse
Here is a table summarizing some of Ryan Bader’s disclosed fight purses.
| Event | Date | Result | Disclosed Purse |
| TUF: Team Nog vs Team Mir Finale | Dec 13, 2008 | Win | $16,000 |
| UFC 132 | Jul 2, 2011 | Loss | $20,000 |
| UFC 144 | Feb 26, 2012 | Win | $98,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Bader vs Nogueira 2 | Nov 29, 2016 | Win | $137,000 |
| Bellator 180 | Jun 27, 2017 | Win | $150,000 |
| Bellator 186 | Nov 3, 2017 | Win | $150,000 |
| Bellator 199 | May 12, 2018 | Win | $150,000 |
| Bellator 207 | Oct 12, 2018 | Win | $150,000 |
| Bellator 214 | Jan 26, 2019 | Win | $150,000 |
| Bellator 226 | Sept 7, 2019 | No Contest | $100,000 |
| Bellator 244 | Aug 21, 2020 | Loss | $150,000 |
| Bellator 290 | Feb 4, 2022 | Win | $150,000 (reported) |
About Ryan Bader
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Ryan DuWayne Bader |
| Nickname | Darth |
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Reno, Nevada, USA |
| Current Residence | Tempe, Arizona, USA |
| Height | 6’2″ (188cm) |
| Weight | 234.4 lbs (Heavyweight) |
| Reach | 74.0″ (188cm) |
| Affiliation | Power MMA |
| Marital Status | Married to Daisy Bader since October 30, 2010 |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Arizona State University (Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies) |
| Professional Record | 31-7-0, 1 NC (Win-Loss-Draw) |
| Instagram Handle | ryanbader |
Ryan Bader was born in Reno, Nevada, on June 7, 1983. Bader started wrestling at 7 and later attended Arizona State University on a wrestling scholarship.
He attended Robert McQueen High School, where he won 2 state championships and was ranked high in football. Bader then attended Arizona State University on a wrestling scholarship.
He holds black belts in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kenpo Karate, which enable him to adapt to different fighting styles and effectively utilize his techniques in the cage.
Professional Career
Bader made his professional MMA debut in 2007 and had an impressive 7-0 record before participating in and winning The Ultimate Fighter.
In the finals, he defeated respected BJJ black belt Vinny Magalhaes by knockout.
His professional record stands at 32 wins and 7 losses, with 13 wins by TKO/KO, 5 by submission, and 16 by decision. Bader signed with Bellator in 2017 after a 20-fight run with the UFC.
Since joining Bellator, he has captured titles in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions, even holding both belts simultaneously for some time.
Bader fought Fedor Emelianenko at Bellator 290, winning by TKO in the first round.
This was his second win against Emelianenko, who he had previously defeated in the finals of the heavyweight Grand Prix for the then-vacant heavyweight title.
Wife
Ryan Bader is married to Daisy Bader. They were married in October 2010 and have been together for over 13 years.
They have three children together: 2 sons and a daughter.
The Bader family resides in Chandler, Arizona. Ryan Bader has often expressed that his family is his top priority, stating, “Number one is my family… as soon as I leave that gym… I am a husband, father, friend”.
MMA Record
[Recent Fights Only]
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method |
| 2023-02-04 | Fedor Emelianenko | Win | TKO (Punches) |
| 2022-05-06 | Cheick Kongo | Win | Decision (Unanimous) |
| 2022-01-29 | Valentin Moldavsky | Win | Decision (Unanimous) |
| 2021-10-16 | Corey Anderson | Loss | TKO (Punches) |
| 2021-04-09 | Lyoto Machida | Win | Decision (Unanimous) |
| 2020-08-21 | Vadim Nemkov | Loss | TKO (Head Kick and Punches) |
| 2019-09-07 | Cheick Kongo | No Contest | Accidental Eye Poke |
| 2019-01-26 | Fedor Emelianenko | Win | KO (Punches) |
| 2018-05-12 | Muhammed Lawal | Win | KO (Punches) |
FAQs
1. Who is Ryan Bader?
Ryan Bader is an American mixed martial artist currently signed with Bellator MMA, where he holds the Bellator Heavyweight Championship. He is the first fighter in Bellator history to simultaneously hold titles in two weight classes: light heavyweight and heavyweight. He was also the winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 8.
2. What is Ryan Bader’s MMA record?
Ryan Bader’s professional MMA record stands at 31 wins, 8 losses, and 0 draws. He has achieved 13 wins by knockout and 3 by submission. His career includes stints in the UFC, Bellator, and PFL, with notable achievements in both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
3. What are Ryan Bader’s major career accomplishments?
Bader is a two-time Bellator champion (light heavyweight and heavyweight) and the first simultaneous two-weight champion in Bellator history. He also won The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 in the UFC and has defended his Bellator heavyweight title multiple times.
4. What is Ryan Bader’s wrestling background?
Before entering MMA, Bader was a decorated amateur wrestler. He was a three-time Pac-10 Champion and two-time NCAA All-American at Arizona State University. In high school, he won two Nevada state championships and was named the 2001 Nevada Defensive Player of the Year in football.
5. How tall is Ryan Bader, and what is his reach?
Ryan Bader stands at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall with a reach of 72.8 inches (185 cm). His physical attributes have contributed to his success as a dominant fighter in both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions.
6. What is Ryan Bader’s training regimen like?
Bader follows a rigorous training schedule that includes strength and conditioning exercises designed for explosive power. His routine involves anaerobic workouts, sparring sessions, and functional training to mimic the intensity of MMA rounds.
7. What is Ryan Bader’s nickname, and how did he earn it?
Ryan Bader is nicknamed “Darth Bader,” a playful reference to the Star Wars character Darth Vader. The nickname reflects his imposing presence in the cage and has become a signature part of his identity among fans.
8. Has Ryan Bader fought in other promotions besides Bellator?
Yes, before joining Bellator, Ryan Bader competed in the UFC, where he had a record of 15-5. He also had one fight in the PFL (Professional Fighters League) but lost via knockout to Renan Ferreira in February 2024.
9. Where does Ryan Bader live, and what is his family life like?
Ryan Bader resides in Queen Creek, Arizona, with his wife Daisy and their three children: Kanon, Hartley, and Rocket. Despite his demanding career, he prioritizes family life and enjoys spending time with his kids at home.
10. What are some of Ryan Bader’s most notable fights?
Some of Bader’s most significant fights include defeating Fedor Emelianenko twice (once to win the Bellator Heavyweight Championship), winning The Ultimate Fighter Season 8 finale against Vinicius Magalhães, and defending his heavyweight title against Valentin Moldavsky and Cheick Kongo.
