Ryan Bader admittedly wasn’t initially excited about the prospects of a rematch with Fedor Emelianenko.
“At first I kind of felt that way, and then I started thinking about it,” Bader said at a press conference on Wednesday. “Being on CBS was a big factor. Anytime you’re in a Fedor fight it’s a huge fight. I’m proud to be a part of his legacy and for him to be a part of mine.
Bader initially faced Emelianenko in the finals of the heavyweight grand prix at Bellator 214, where he claimed the belt with a 35-second technical knockout victory. The Power MMA Team stalwart isn’t taking away much from that first meeting — in large part because of the abbreviated nature of the fight. He expects the rematch, which is set for the Bellator 290 headliner on Saturday, will be a completely different affair.
When Bader initially captured the heavyweight crown, he was a simultaneous two-division champion in Bellator. He has sinced relinquished the light heavyweight strap and will be attempting to make his third successful title defense at heavyweight. With that said, the majority of the attention heading into the card has gone to Emelianenko, who will retire after the bout — win or lose. While Bader is still working on carving out his own legacy, he believes his Russian foe has earned the acclaim.
“Make no mistake, I know people are going to be rooting for him. On the flip side, I have a job to do and my job is to spoil that party, retain that belt, win that fight and move on. There will be respect there no matter what.”
المملكة العربية السعودية أحدث الأخبار, المملكة العربية السعودية عناوين
Similar News:يمكنك أيضًا قراءة قصص إخبارية مشابهة لهذه التي قمنا بجمعها من مصادر إخبارية أخرى.
Rivalries: Fedor Emelianenko“The Last Emperor” will ride off into the proverbial sunset after he challenges Ryan Bader for the Bellator MMA heavyweight championship in the Bellator 290 main event
اقرأ أكثر »
By The Numbers: Fedor EmelianenkoWhen the former Pride Fighting Championships heavyweight titleholder walks the walk for the final time, it will close out one of the most remarkable chapters in mixed martial arts history.
اقرأ أكثر »
Numerous MMA Legends to Attend Fedor Emelianenko’s Farewell Fight at Bellator 290A number of mixed martial arts luminaries will be in attendance for Fedor Emelinanko’s swan song at Bellator 290.
اقرأ أكثر »
Karen Thinks This Person Has A “Fake” Service Dog, Gets Put In Her PlaceKaren Thinks This Person Has A “Fake” Service Dog, Gets Put In Her Place Karen servicedog
اقرأ أكثر »
Ryan Reynolds just surprised a class full of students at a Toronto collegeCanadian-American mega-superstar Ryan Reynolds just made an appearance to a group of lucky college students in Toronto Wednesday afternoon. The Dea...
اقرأ أكثر »
'I hope I didn’t ruin your entire project': Ryan Reynolds surprises Toronto college studentsCanadian Actor Ryan Reynolds dropped by a Toronto college on Wednesday, surprising students in the midst of a school project.
اقرأ أكثر »