Ryan Bader vs. Renan Ferreira: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader faces off against PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in the headline PFL vs Bellator event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Brazilian Renan Ferreira has said he is on a mission to become one of the greatest Brazilian heavyweights. He hopes to make that claim a reality by defeating veteran MMA great Ryan Bader of America. Despite being much older, the American is a clear favorite to win the champion versus champion-clash. Both fighters come into the fight on a three-match winning streak.

MMA: PFL vs. Bellator Heavyweight 

Venue: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Where to watch: PPV (ESPN+ DAZN)

Date: 25.02.2024. 02:00

Ryan “Darth” Bader has nearly forty professional fights. A true veteran of the game, the Nevada-born 40-year-old has dominated the heavyweight division in Bellator MMA since joining the promotion from the UFC in 2019. Bader also became the first fighter in Bellator MMA history to simultaneously become a champion in two weight divisions. He won the heavyweight gold in 2019 to add to the light heavyweight crown he picked up in 2017. Following three successful heavyweight title defenses, Bader comes to Riyadh with the scalps of some of the biggest heavyweight stars in MMA.

• Age: 40
• Height: 7’ 2’’
• Reach: 74”
• Weight: 265 Ibs (120kg)
• Record: 31-7-1 (NC)

The newly minted PFL heavyweight champion debuted in the promotion in 2021 after a stint with LFA. The 34-year-old, who turned pro in 2013, had a controversial debut in the PFL that saw his victory over Fabricio Werdum overturned to a no-contest. A former construction worker, “Problema,” got into MMA following a social project where he taught jiu-jitsu to low-income kids. A knockout specialist, Renan Ferreira has ten KO’s from twelve wins. Ferreira won the 2023 PFL heavyweight tournament with a TKO of Denis Goltsov last November.

• Age: 34
• Height: 6’ 8’’
• Reach: 85”
• Weight: 265 Ibs (120kg)
• Record: 12-3-3

Renan Ferreira is a 2.05 underdog on Bet365, with the favorite priced at 1.68. 1XBET lists total over 1.5 at 2.88. On Betwinner, the Yes to the start of round two is 1.7, and the No is 2.03.