Ryan Bader is the new Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion!
Bader defeated former champion, Phil “Mr. Wonderful” Davis via decision at the top of the Bellator 180 prelims, live in New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
With all due respect to the fighters, this match — much like their first two years ago — was anything but highlight reel worthy. It wasn’t for lack of effort. Both fighters were active throughout their five-round match. Davis even landed an impressive superman punch, and Bader hit two solid takedowns.
Every takedown counts in this VERY close fight! #BellatorNYC pic.twitter.com/URgnY1vl9M
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 25, 2017
It was just that the two were so evenly matched that they could rarely land anything significant on the other. Most of their 25-minute battle consisted of tagging each other with punches and kicks that did little damage.
The fans boos sent a clear signal to the fighters that the Bellator Nation was not impressed, and by the time the fourth round came along, referee Dan Miragliotta warned the fighters about their inaction.
Neither man could do much to make the match more exciting, though, and the fans booed into the fifth.
If you just watched Phil Davis vs. Ryan Bader 2 don't worry I got you. #Bellator180 pic.twitter.com/R27Jl7IgJw
— Chamatkar Sandhu (@SandhuMMA) June 25, 2017
Still Ryan Bader is walking out the Madison Square Garden with a new belt around his waist.
Congratulations, Ryan Bader, the new Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion!
Congratulations to the NEW light heavyweight champion @ryanbader! #BellatorNYC pic.twitter.com/leJ1L0jhex
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 25, 2017
