Amid a wave of discontent and high-profile departures from the PFL, a former two-division Bellator champion has chosen to sever ties with the promotion on cordial terms.
On Thursday, combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani was the first to report on X that MMA veteran Ryan Bader has officially split from the PFL, walking away before fulfilling the final fight on his contract. Helwani also revealed that “Darth” and PFL executives amicably reached a mutual agreement to part ways, with both sides satisfied with the terms of the separation.
Bader also took to Instagram to address his free agency, releasing a statement that confirmed Helwani’s report.
“Just an update…officially a free agent. PFL and our team came up with terms we were both happy agreeing on with one fight remaining on contract. The Bellator run was one for the books. What a blast, and being surrounded by great people running that org. Im still open to different opportunities in the fight game,” he captioned.
Bader was last seen in action at PFL vs. Bellator: Champions in February 2024, where he suffered a knockout loss to Renan Ferreira in just 21 seconds.
Following the setback, the 41-year-old Nevada native revealed he would be stepping away from competition to join the cast of The Smashing Machine, a biopic about MMA legend Mark Kerr. The film, starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt, is set for release later this year.
During his reign as Bellator’s heavyweight champion, “Darth” secured victories over notable contenders, including Valentin Moldavsky, Cheick Kongo, and the legendary Fedor Emelianenko.
Following Bellator’s merger with the PFL, he wrapped up his tenure with the promotion at 9-3 with one no contest, bringing his overall career mark to 31-8.
