Ryan Bader settled the score.
Bader successfully defended his heavyweight title following a unanimous decision win over Cheick Kongo in the Bellator 280 headliner Friday night in Paris, France.
Their first meeting took place at Bellator 226 all the way back in September 2019. On that occasion, it ended in a no contest after an accidental eye poke from Bader on Kongo.
The rematch, however, was all Bader as he outworked Kongo over five rounds with clinch work and takedowns.
In the end, all three judges scored it 50-45 to Bader who made it two wins in a row.
Following Bader’s win, Corey Anderson called to face the champion, having already defeated him in the semifinals of the Bellator light heavyweight grand prix.
“Congrats @ryanbader . Yo @ScottCoker @BellatorMMA , if Nemkov needs more time let me keep my get my feet wet and go up to hwt and fight for that belt while we wait. #bellator280″
Congrats @ryanbader .
Yo @ScottCoker @BellatorMMA , if Nemkov needs more time let me keep my get my feet wet and go up to hwt and fight for that belt while we wait. #bellator280
— Corey 'Overtime' Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) May 6, 2022
Check out the highlights below:
Back and forth between @ryanbader and @kongo4real.#Bellator280 LIVE on @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/8keoZ5GaNz
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) May 6, 2022
The champ @ryanbader grinding against @kongo4real.#Bellator280 LIVE on @SHOsports pic.twitter.com/CwzpwNR2Db
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) May 6, 2022
#AndStill | @RyanBader remains atop the heavyweight throne as he retains his title tonight at #Bellator280. pic.twitter.com/JSQDCWOhdJ
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) May 6, 2022
