Ryan Bader Explains Why He Signed With Bellator MMA

UFC Ultimate Fighter champion Ryan Bader recently signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.

One of the reasons that he signed with the Viacom owned promotion is due to the great contract they offered him.

“I think it’s one of the better contracts out there, outside of being a UFC champion with pay-per-view points and stuff like that,” Bader said on The MMA Hour.

It's worth noting that Bader's Bellator contract doesn't have a win bonus, but a "finish" bonus instead.

Bader spent a grand total of eight years competing under the UFC banner. Another huge factor that played a role in Bader coming over to Bellator MMA was how the UFC has handled sponsorships since the deal with Reebok.

“The lowest I’ve ever made — and this was on the prelims — was 35 grand on a fight,” Bader said. “I’ve made upwards of 80 grand on a fight on sponsors.”

There is no debut date set yet for Bader or even an opponent.

However, the UFC veteran recently took to Twitter to challenge Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Champion Phil Davis for the gold.

Hey @PhilMrWonderful let's do this, MSG June 24th. You in?

— Ryan Bader (@ryanbader) March 20, 2017

Phil Davis has also responded to the challenge via Twitter:

I've been waiting on you! Let's do this https://t.co/tkpa3A7Ns4

— Phil Davis (@PhilMrWonderful) March 20, 2017

The two clashed during their days in the UFC, a fight that Bader won by decision.