In a shocking turn of events, former UFC fighter and TUF champion Ryan Bader has withdrawn from the highly anticipated RIZIN super show, scheduled for New Year’s Eve. But it’s not due to a last-minute change of heart; it’s because of a gruesome injury that will require immediate surgery.
Bader, a seasoned veteran of the octagon, was set to face off against Alexander Soldatkin, a formidable Russian fighter who earned his stripes on Dana White’s ‘Contender Series’. However, fate had other plans. Bader revealed on Instagram that he sustained a severe injury, including a near-separation of a crucial bone in the pelvic region, which he described as ‘pretty gnarly’. This injury has put his fighting career on hold, at least for the immediate future.
The post-injury MRI results left no room for doubt, and Bader is now set to undergo surgery in the coming week. This unexpected development has left fans and organizers alike in a state of flux. Will Soldatkin still take to the ring, or will he await Bader’s recovery, potentially pushing the fight back to 2026? This is the question on everyone’s mind.
And here’s where it gets intriguing: Bader’s withdrawal sparks a debate about the physical demands of combat sports. How do we balance the excitement of these high-stakes fights with the very real risk of career-altering injuries? Is the thrill of the fight worth the potential long-term health consequences?
As Bader embarks on his road to recovery, the MMA community is left with a thought-provoking dilemma. Are these injuries an unavoidable part of the sport, or is there room for improvement in fighter safety? Share your thoughts below, and let’s keep the conversation going!