Ryan Bader is arguably one of the most under-rated heavyweight MMA fighters ever, and has a fantastic record in promotions such as the UFC and Bellator, where he won the heavyweight belt in the latter.
Throughout his career, Bader has understandably been something of a knockout artist, but has scored three submission victories during this time. He has also had famous victories over the likes of Fedor Emelianenko, Rashad Evans, and Ovince St. Preux. Bader also had an illustrious career as a high school wrestler during his younger days.
This hasn’t gone unnoticed, and this week he was promoted to the rank of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt by his teacher, Jair Lourenço Gurgel, who has been training BJJ since the mid 90s.
Upon receiving his new belt, Bader expressed his joy and wrote on Instagram, “After 15 years I have received my black belt from Jair Lourenço Gurgel! What an honor to receive it from a highly decorated black belt and most importantly a great person and team. Also a ton of help from my man Beau Tribolet.”
