TUF Questions: Ryan Bader

Ryan “Darth” Bader (7-0) is a light heavyweight competitor on The Ultimate Fighter 8, premiering tonight.  He has a strong wrestling background; he was a three-time Pac-10 Championships finalist, and two-time All-American at Arizona State University.

Fighters.com:  How did you get involved in TUF 8?

Ryan Bader:  My first experience with TUF was when I helped Jesse Forbes [6-2] get ready for his TUF 3 finale. I was a bit reserved with having the “TUF” label put on me but after I saw CB [Dollaway (7-1)] and his explosion onto the MMA scene it just made a lot of sense. I paid my dues at the small shows and I knew it was time to make the move to the UFC. [UFC matchmaker] Joe Silva has a ton of guys like me calling and asking to get in the UFC so TUF gives you a potentially alternate path.

So after TUF 7 wrapped I went to Las Vegas to celebrate with CB and got to meet a lot of the producers. When it came time to apply I sent in my application and audition tape and had a phone interview with the producers. A few weeks later we got a call from the producers and they asked me to come up to Las Vegas for medical and interviews.

Fighters.com:  Who are some of your heroes, in sports or otherwise?

Ryan Bader:  My family, they are very supportive and lead by example. As far at sports heroes, I think any athlete pursuing his or her dreams at all cost is very inspirational.

Fighters.com:  Where do you train? Who do you train with?

Ryan Bader:  I train at Arizona Combat Sports. My striking coaches are Todd and Trevor Lally, my BJJ is taught by Gustavo Dantes and wrestling by Aaron Simpson (who was also one of my coaches at ASU).

My training partners are a great group of guys. We have Ray [10-5] and Steve Steinbeiss [4-1], WEC Champ Jamie Varner [15-2], Matthew Riddle [1-0], Jesse Forbes, Gerald Harris [8-2], CB Dollaway, Kellan Flukiger [3-0], even Thales Leites [13-1] from time to time. We have a bunch of guys that are paid to train and do MMA full time. We have structured training classes and we are not just getting guys ready for fights we are all constantly improving our game and feeding off of each other’s strengths.

Fighters.com:  I read that you were in the limo when Jesse Taylor (6-3) kicked out that window. What were you thinking when it happened?

Ryan Bader:  DID THAT JUST HAPPEN! I did not think that he would get kicked out of the show for that but I knew for a fact I wanted distance between the incident and myself. You should know the first kick did not break the window and as we all grabbed him to try to get him out he kicked the window again and then went through it. I still can’t believe that happened.

Fighters.com: What do you like to do when you’re not training?

Ryan Bader:  We pretty much train all the time at Arizona Combat Sports. When not in the gym I like to chill out play a little Xbox maybe go to the lake things like that. I am a pretty laid back guy and time with my friends is almost always a good time.

Fighters.com:  What would you do if you weren’t a fighter?

Ryan Bader:  I have my degree but I do not really know. When I got out of college I was working for a marketing company and while it was not a terrible job it really did not feed my competitive juices. I was made to be a fighter and until I have that belt, I will focus on nothing else but getting it.

Fighters.com: Is there a story behind your nickname, “Darth” Bader?

Ryan Bader:  Aaron Simpson [3-0] started calling me Darth when I was at ASU and it just stuck. People on some wrestling message boards also called me “Darth.” So when I went into ACS they just started calling me “Darth” without prior knowledge so I knew I wouldn’t get away from it. Also it is a whole lot better than “Master”.

Fighters.com:  Who has helped you the most to get you where you are now?

Ryan Bader:  Wow I think the music would start playing like at the Emmys if I listed everyone. Obviously my family, my coaches (all of them), LG Sports Marketing, MTX, and my friends. If you belong on this list I think you know who you are! I try to thank people for all that they do for me; I am a very gracious person.

Fighters.com:  What do you love most about your life?

Ryan Bader:  The ability to compete and continually challenge my mind, body and soul. I am living my dream and fueling my passion.

Fighters.com:  What would you want others to know about you?

Ryan Bader:  I am just a regular hard working guy pursuing my dream. Also have to stick up for my boy CB, he is a great guy and do not let the editing fool you. He is one of my best friends and one of the best people you would ever want to have as a friend.