Double champ Ryan Bader to defend vs Cheick Kongo
Ryan Bader became two-divisional Bellator champion after knocking out Fedor Emelianenko in the heavyweight tournament finals in January of this year. It was Bader’s first foray into heavyweight competition, but he passed with flying colours and now he’s ready to defend both titles.
One month after Bader won his second title heavyweights Vitaly Minakov and Cheick Kongo threw down in a heavyweight title eliminator. After three hard fought rounds Kongo was awarded the victory via unanimous decision, and fans knew they’d be getting Bader vs Kongo eventually.
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Bellator officials recently announced that Bader will defend his title against Kongo at Bellator 226, September 7th in San Jose, California.
Bader is undefeated in Bellator, and was awarded a title shot against then light heavyweight champion Phil Davis in his promotional debut. In the end Bader was awarded a split decision victory, and he beat Linton Vassel via TKO in his first defence. He then took part in the heavyweight tournament, beating Muhamad Lawal, Matt Mitrione and later Emelianenko to win the heavyweight title.
Kongo has beaten many of the best heavyweights Bellator has to offer during his time in the promotion. In his impressive, eight fight winning streak he’s beaten Alexander Volkov, Tony Johnson and Timothy Johnson amongst others.
Who wins: Ryan Bader och Cheick Kongo?
