Sherdog’s Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings

Ryan Bader has been Bellator MMA heavyweight champion since January 2019, but it wasn’t until Saturday night that he had his first successful title defense.

A gritty Bader made a strong push in the championships rounds against Valentin Moldavsky to win a hard-fought unanimous decision in the Bellator 273 headliner at the Footprint Center in Phoenix, Ariz.. After losing two of his last three appearances at 205 pounds, the former Arizona State University wrestling standout appears primed to finish his MMA career in the big man division.

Bader already has his next title defense lined up: A rematch with Cheick Kongo in Paris on May 6. In the meantime, “Darth” returns to the Sherdog’s heavyweight rankings, one spot ahead of the vanquished Moldavsky at No. 11.

Note: Previous rankings listed in brackets.

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