It was a crazy action filled Bellator 214 as Ryan Bader knocked out MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko within 35-second of the first round to become Bellator’s first ever two-division world champion. With this win, he has also won the heavyweight Grand Prix.
Bader’s first left hook connected perfectly with the Russian’s chin, sending him to the canvas, where the American proceeded with ground and pound, forcing the referee to stop the bout.
“To be a two-division champion, it’s surreal man,” Bader said. “What a night.”
Here’s how fans and experts reacted to the brutal knockout win of Ryan Bader:
Ryan Bader KO's Fedor Emelianenko in about 30 seconds. He is the first simultaneous two-division champion in Bellator history. Heavyweight and light heavyweight. Dominated his way through the tournament. #Bellator214
— Mike Bohn (@MikeBohnMMA) January 27, 2019
Scott Coker says he will leave the decision of whether or not Fedor Emelianenko fights again completely up to Fedor. Also confirms his contract with Bellator did come to an end tonight.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/allelbows/status/1089391946613702656
Bader makes short work of Fedor, crushing him with a single punch. He absolutely bulldozed through the tournament and now is the first Bellator champ champ. A talented athlete and fighter finally getting grand recognition.
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) January 27, 2019
Fedor's a legend and will always be, this doesn't take anything away from his legacy. The GOAT. We love you. #Bellator214
— Patricio Pitbull (@PatricioPitbull) January 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/JESnowden/status/1089378727669182465
Good for Bader, man. Exited the UFC on a 7-1 run, never got a title shot. Now he's a two-weight champion for Bellator and just clobbered the great Fedor Emelianenko in absolutely stunning fashion.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) January 27, 2019
You guys remember when Fedor KO’d Arlovski out of midair then retired post-fight and never ever fought again? Man that was the best
— Fraser Coffeen (@FCoffeen) January 27, 2019
Ryan Bader just KO’d Fedor in about 35 seconds. He’s now the Bellator heavyweight and light heavyweight champion.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) January 27, 2019
Fedor needs to hang the trunks up. It’s over 😔😔 https://t.co/mB86B1HZAo
— shannon sharpe (@ShannonSharpe) January 27, 2019
Bader going to destroy fedor for hacking hilarys emails.
— superCalo (@superCalo) January 27, 2019
Fedor Emelianenko just been put to sleep in seconds by Ryan Bader☠️ pic.twitter.com/ktbbd6gWCH
— Gary William® (@_GaryWilliam_) January 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/jonfitchdotnet/status/1089381264736452608
Right on @ryanbader! #ASU #Bellator214
— Mike Pierce (@MikePierce170) January 27, 2019
Oh ok, Bader. #Bellator214
— Will Brooks (@ILLxWillBrooks) January 27, 2019
Woww Bader
— Al Iaquinta🗽 (@ALIAQUINTA) January 27, 2019
Well, that was anticlimactic… #BellatorWGP
— Matt “The Mangler” Bessette (@Mangler_MMA) January 27, 2019
Wow @ryanbader 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 , I am legit sad to see the last emperor go out like that , but Bader’s run in Bellator has been nothing short of incredible. This guy is killing shit , way to rep America.
— Eddie Alvarez (@Ealvarezfight) January 27, 2019
https://twitter.com/VinnyMMA/status/1089382262422949890
Fightings fucking nuts
— Sean O'Malley (@SugaSeanMMA) January 27, 2019
Wow 😮 congrats @ryanbader! First 2 division champion for @bellatormma 👊 also looking good in the @apemanstrong gear 👌 #champchamp #mma #ufc #bellator @ Parkland, Florida https://t.co/i4tYpJzJYH
— CB Dollaway (@cbdollaway) January 27, 2019
ALSO READ:
Bellator 214 results: Ryan Bader, Jack Swagger win as Fedor and Aaron Pico are brutally KO’ed