“He’s the best fighter in the world,” Ahead of the PFL vs Bellator main event fight, Ryan Bader hails praise on former foe Jon Jones

Ryan Bader thinks heavyweight Jon Jones is very deserving of his undeniable G.O.A.T status in the combat sports bubble.

“He’s the best fighter in the world,” Ahead of the PFL vs Bellator main event fight, Ryan Bader hails praise on former foe Jon Jones

Ryan Bader praised Jon Jones (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)

Saudi Arabia will host the PFL vs. Bellator: Champions event in a must-see PPV card this month. The top four bouts on the card are all champ vs. champ non-title bouts. Renan Ferreria vs. Ryan Bader will headline the event. What’s at stake in the PFL vs. Bellator: Champions main event is as high as they get.

Both Ryan Bader and his rival have wished for a fight with Francis Ngannou soon. The potent $2 million minimum payday against Ngannou’s PFL debut is quite the sweepstake. However, Bader touched roots on rival Jon Jones as well. This is what Bader said:

Yeah, I think it would definitely be a different fight... Jones has proven himself over and over again, I feel like he's the best fighter in the world... But, my mentality from 'now', from when it was back then...basically a kid new to the sport....definitely would be a different fight for sure... Who knows the outcome? But that'd be a fun one...
Ryan Bader via MMA Junkie
YouTube video

Bader is currently signed to Bellator MMA, where he is the heavyweight champion. Holding tenure as the longest-streaking heavyweight, he has had much history with Jones. They fought at UFC 126, where he incurred his first pro-MMA skid at the hands of rising prospect Jones. The UFC heavyweight champion defeated him with a modified guillotine choke.

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However, Bader thought a rematch now would have a different outcome, or at least, it would play out differently. Jones will return later this year to fight Stipe Miocic. Many expect the bout against Miocic as the final bout in Jones’ career. Hence, a future fight against Bader remains unlikely.

Win or lose, Ryan Bader is adamant on facing Francis Ngannou

Bellator’s Ryan Bader will square off with Renan Ferreria in the upcoming week. The PFL vs. Bellator: Champions event has accordingly garnered much traction amongst MMA enthusiasts and pundits. Concurrently, that is not where the buck stops. Ferreria and Bader could face PFL signing Francis Ngannou upon his debut.

Win or lose against Renan Ferreria, Ryan Bader already had a next opponent in mind
Ryan Bader already had a next opponent in mind (Source: pflmma.com)

Not only do Ferreira (12-3) and Bader (31-7) get the opportunity to headline the inaugural event of the PFL-Bellator merger. But the perks are as high as it gets. Nganno will compete in his 2nd pro boxing outing soon. After that, he is all for grabs. This is what Bader said:

Win or lose on my part, it’s something there regardless... He could fight Renan, yes, but I go out there and beat Renan, there’s really nobody else for him to fight. I’m the Bellator champion, have been the champion for a long time, undefeated at Heavyweight. Even though the titles aren’t on the line, you can walk away saying, ‘Hey, I’m the PFL champion, too.'
Ryan Bader via MMA Mania
YouTube video

At this point, Ferreira and Bader remain the best possible option to face Ngannou. They would receive a minimum of $2 million dollars for the bout. However, when that might happen remains a mystery. If Ngannou wins his second boxing bout, he could potentially fight for the title.

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