Champ Ryan Bader to show 'disrespectful' Linton Vassell 'another level' at Bellator 186

Ryan Bader isn’t the type to talk much trash, but if an opponent comes at him in the lead-up to a fight, he’s going to use that as fuel for his performance inside the cage.

Bader (23-5 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) said that’s exactly the case going into his first Bellator light heavyweight title defense against Linton Vassell (18-5 MMA, 7-2 BMMA) at Bellator 186 next week. The champion believes the challenger has taken a “disrespectful” approach to the fight, and he said that doesn’t sit well.

“I don’t know much about the guy,” Bader said in an interview with Bellator play-by-play voice Mike Goldberg. “He tweeted me when I was potentially going to sign with Bellator. He’s one of those guys who comes off disrespectful to me. He has some insecurities that he has to let out and prove to himself. I’ve been fighting at the highest level for 15 fights now. For me, it’s one of those fights I’m going to enjoy. He’s fought some tough guys, but I’m going to show him another level.”

Bellator 186 takes place Nov. 3 at Bryce Jordan Center in University Park, Penn. Bader vs. Vassell headlines the Spike-televised main card following prelims on MMAjunkie.

For Bader, the bout will mark his sophomore appearance in the Bellator cage. After a 20-fight UFC tenure, “Darth” signed with the growing organization earlier this year and made his debut in a June title fight with then-champ Phil Davis at Bellator 180. Bader edged out a split decision to claim the 205-pound belt, immediately putting him at the top of the weight class.

Although winning gold was something Bader was unable to accomplish under the UFC banner, he said he carries pride in being Bellator champ. He achieved one of his major career goals, but Bader said now is not the time to get comfortable. “The Ultimate Fighter 8” winner has intentions for a long and memorable title reign, but knows that won’t be easy.

“There’s no plateau,” Bader said. “This belt wasn’t a plateau where I’m like, ‘OK, I’m here, who cares what happens from hereon out?’ I want to defend that thing for the entirety of my contract with Bellator and then sign a new deal.”

It’s much easier for Bader, No. 3 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light-heavyweight rankings, to get motivated for his first title defense when No. 14-ranked Vassell continues to throw fuel on the fire. The British challenger is carrying tremendous confidence into the matchup, but Bader believes the skill and experience advantages are steeply in his favor.

“Linton has fired me up in terms of his (expletive)-talking,” Bader said. “I just look forward to this one. I look forward to putting a beating on him and just show him, ‘This is what you’re talking about, so you’re going to get it now.’ It’s going to be a fun one for me.”

For more on Bellator 186, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.