· On The Spot ~ Ryan Bader
Entering the eighth season of “The Ultimate Fighter" in 2008, very few people knew who Ryan Bader was. Though he was 7-0 entering the show, with six of those wins coming via stoppage, most viewers just saw another talented wrestler making a transition into mixed martial arts. Upon viewing his first fight of the show, a second round submission of Kyle Kingsbury, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira saw the potential of this two-time Division-I wrestler from Arizona State University and chose him as his first pick of the season. Proclaiming that Bader would be the champion at the end of the season. Once he knocked out Tom Lawlor on the show other people started seeing the same potential that Nogueira saw.
After getting through the rest of the season unbeaten, he fought Vinicius Magalhães for the season title. A bout that he won via knockout in round one. Some still questioned whether or not Ryan could compete on a higher echelon and if he could compete with other UFC veterans in one of the deepest weight classes in the organization. He proved he could definitely step up to the challenge, defeating seasoned WEC and UFC veteran Carmelo Marrero by unanimous decision last April. Though he did not finish Marrero, Ryan proved to everyone that he could handle tough competition in the light heavyweight division, even doing so after injuring his knee during the early stages of the fight.
At "UFC 104: Machida vs Shogun" on October 24, Ryan will be facing off against another tough veteran of the UFC in Eric “Red” Schafer. Recently he was able to take some time to answer some questions from MMA Spot’s Hugh Spencer, to talk about not only his upcoming fight and how his training is coming along so far, but also about his inspirations to compete in MMA and what he does in his precious time off.
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- What are your thoughts on your "UFC 104" opponent Eric Schafer?
Eric is a big strong fighter. Great on the ground and is very experienced. He's been in the Octagon right away with guys like Bonnar, Bisping, and Houston Alexander, so he has that Octagon time. It should turn out to be a great fight and a step up in competition for me.
- How is the training coming along so far?
Training is going great! I feel good, and I was in shape before I even started my camp so I believe I will be the more conditioned for this fight than any of my previous fights. Also my skills are really developing, so you will see a new version of myself in there on Oct 24th.
- While preparing for Schafer, what do you see will be his advantage/strength in this fight?
His advantage is definitely on the ground, but I am no slouch there either. He is also a very strong guy, with Octagon time under his belt. I have fought many black belts and am not afraid of a person with a certain color of belt; I am going to go in there and impose my will on my opponent and fight my fight.
- You recently tore your medial collateral ligament (MCL) in your fight with Carmelo Marrero. How did you feel after rehabilitating the injury and does it cause you any problems while you train?
I took some time off right after it happened and now have been training full go on it for over three months. It is 100% and is not even a factor anymore.
- On your standard day of training, what is the schedule like?
I usually get up at 8 a.m. and get some food in me and then it is strength and conditioning practice from 9 to 10. Then I move onto ground, either jiu-jitsu or wrestling, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Go home and relax little or hit the cold pool ice plunge at ASU and its back to my stand up practice at 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. After that I eat and relax.
- There are a lot of tough fighters at 205, who do you feel you match up well against, and who would you like to face soon?
205 is one of the most stacked divisions. I feel like I match up well with everybody given my wrestling abilities and every expanding MMA tools. There is no one in particular that I would like to fight right now. Kind of cliché but "one fight at a time" is about all you can look for in this sport. 
- Obviously your wrestling is very good. What area of the sport have you made the most strides in since signing on to do the show?
Definitely my striking, now I need to be comfortable just staying in the pocket and using my skills. I have not really shown my striking in any of my fights and look to do that in this fight coming up.
- Who were some of your motivators/inspirations to start competing in MMA?
C.B. Dollaway and I were helping our friend, Jesse Forbes, out when he had a fight scheduled with Matt Hamill. We just got out of college wrestling and he needed some wrestlers to work with so we started doing some submissions with him. C.B. and I both liked it so we went to his MMA gym at Arizona Combat Sports and never left.
- Who is your favorite MMA fighter?
I would probably have to say [Antonio Rodrigo] Nogueira. Being able to work with him and getting to know him on a personal level; he is such a great guy so I always want to see him succeed.
- What were your thoughts on the Couture vs Noguiera fight at "UFC 102"? Did it live up to your expectations?
Oh yeah! That fight was great, and I was there live so it was even better. Two legends went at it and it lived up to everything it was supposed to.
- Out of everyone that you have sparred against, who hits you the hardest?
Anderson Silva was the hardest person I have sparred with. You cannot hit that man. As far as the hardest hitter I would probably say my training partners at Arizona Combat Sports. They hit like trucks and it’s not fun day in and day out but that is what make us better.
- You are huge for 205. How much weight do you cut to make the 205 lbs. limit?
I usually walk around at about 225 or 230 still being pretty lean. I cut that the week of and feel great. I had to cut more in college wrestling and that was every week and the day of, so making 205 is a cake walk.
- How has your life and approach to fighting changed since being on the show?
A lot more exposure and being recognized has probably changed the most for me. Being a college wrestler there was little of that. Getting a hug from your parents and coaches was about all that was handed out after becoming an All-American or winning a title, so it has changed a lot in that aspect. Also the money is better and not having to work a 9-5 is great!
- Do you feel a lot of pressure from the organization to win because of the notoriety you’ve gained from the show?
I think everybody feels that pressure in the UFC. One loss can really set you back. I do think there is more of a target on my back from winning 'TUF', just for the fact that some people don’t give that show any credit, and feel that it is an easy way to UFC, etc.
- What is the funniest thing that went on the 'TUF' house that we did not see on television?
Well, as you know, our season was pretty disgusting. But the tipping point came when Tom Lawlor was about to eat a spoon full of Kyle Kingsbury’s sh*t. He got it up to his mouth, but couldn’t do it.
- Give us the next big name that will be coming out of your gym?
Tons of guys. Estavan Payan, Jacob Mcklintock, Jesse Forbes will be back in the big show soon, and the list goes on and on.
- What do you like to do on your day(s) off from training?
I like to just relax, maybe play some golf, hang out with my dogs, and get that much needed relaxation time.
- What hobbies or passions do you have, prior to and during your MMA career?
I like a lot of water sports and love being out at the lake. Anything outdoors really. I also do some hunting and fishing when I have some time. I really just like to get out of the house.
- Do you have any trainers, sponsors, or teammates you'd like to thank?
Yes, I want to thank the Lally brothers for developing these beasts I have to train with day in and day out. Dave Martin, Klenz Towel, and RyanBader.com.
