The Bellator MMA Light Heavyweight Title is going to be defended at Bellator 186 as champion Ryan Bader defends against Linton Vassell.
Bader (23-5-0) is going to be making the first defense of his championship, which he won by defeating Phil Davis by decision at Bellator 180. Bader also spent a total of eight-plus years in the UFC, where he earned notable wins over Keith Jardine, Antonio Rogerio Nogueira, Rampage Jackson, Rafael Cavalcante, Ovince St. Preux, Phil Davis and Rashad Evans. Bader was also the winner of the UFC Ultimate Fighter 8, defeating Vinny Magalhaes in the finals of the reality show.
Vassell (18-5-0-1NC) enters the fight riding a three fight winning streak, which includes victories over a pair of former light heavyweight champions in Emmanuel Newton and Liam McGeary. Vassell has challenged for the light heavyweight title before, losing to the champion Emmanuel Newton in their first clash at Bellator 130. Vassell hasn’t suffered a defeat in over two years, with his last loss coming to King Mo at Bellator 142.
Bellator 186 takes place on Friday, November 3 from the Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Pennsylvania with Ryan Bader and Linton Vassell headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which airs live on Spike TV.
