Bellator 186 - Bader vs. Vassell - November 3 (OFFICIAL DISCUSSION)

Bellator 186
November 3, 2017
Bryce Jordan Center
University Park, Pennsylvania, USA

Main Card:
Ryan Bader (23-5)                vs.        (19-5) Linton Vassell   
Main Event |  Title Fight | Light Heavyweight | 205 lbs (93 kg)
Ilima-Lei Macfarlane (6-0)     vs.           (6-2) Emily Ducote   
Co-Main Event |  Title Fight | Women's Flyweight | 125 lbs (57 kg)
Ed Ruth (3-0)                        vs.     (11-5) Chris Dempsey   
Main Event | Middleweight | 185 lbs (84 kg)
Phil Davis (17-4)                    vs.             (10-0) Leo Leite  
Main Event | Light Heavyweight | 205 lbs (93 kg)
Saad Awad (20-9)                  vs.       (9-2) Zach Freeman   
Main Event | Lightweight | 155 lbs (70 kg)

Bellator is set to make its debut at Bryce Jordan Center on the campus of Penn State University in University Park, Pa. on Friday, November 3 for Bellator 186: Bader vs. Vassell.
 
In the main event of Bellator 186, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Ryan "Darth" Bader (23-5) will make his first title defense against British sensation Linton "The Swarm" Vassell (18-5, 1 NC).

Bader returns to the cage for the first time since dethroning former Penn State wrestling standout Phil Davis as light heavyweight champion in June at Bellator 180. Fighting out of Tempe, Ariz., Bader began his professional career on an impressive run, steamrolling the competition en route to a 12-fight winning streak and winning one of the most competitive seasons of The Ultimate Fighter in franchise history on Spike in 2008. "Darth" continued his path of dominance by collecting wins over some of the 205-pound division's top talent, including victories over former world champions Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, "Rampage" Jackson, Rashad Evans, as well as a previous win over Phil Davis. Currently riding a three-fight winning streak with victories in eight of his past nine bouts, the former two-time NCAA Division I All-American wrestler from Arizona State University will look to protect his belt on November 3.
 
Currently training at Combat Club in South Florida alongside Matt Mitrione, Michael Chandler and Robbie Lawler, Vassell has once again put himself in position to fight for Bellator's 205-pound title. After making his professional debut in 2008, the Milton Keynes, England native has tallied 18 victories, including 14 finishes and 10 coming inside the first round, as well as seven wins over nine bouts in just four years with Bellator. Following three consecutive victories over two former champs in Liam McGeary and Emanuel Newton, as well as Francis Carmont, the 34-year-old Vassell will attempt to become the second-ever Bellator light heavyweight champion who hails from the United Kingdom.

I think Bader holds onto the title in this one.

CDF47 wrote:I think Bader holds onto the title in this one.

Probably does but I'm glad Vassel is getting his opportunity as he deserves it.

Rocksoldier84 wrote:

CDF47 wrote:I think Bader holds onto the title in this one.

Probably does but I'm glad Vassel is getting his opportunity as he deserves it.

Yeah, you're right, he did earn it.

Balls!!! This is right where I used to live, heck I could've been going to school right on that campus right now!

Fun fact: Phil Davis is a Penn State alumni. Good to see him get another win. One of my favorite fighters!

Hamilcar wrote:Balls!!! This is right where I used to live, heck I could've been going to school right on that campus right now!  

Fun fact: Phil Davis is a Penn State alumni.  Good to see him get another win.  One of my favorite fighters!

He had a good win but Bader's win was more impressive.