Just a week after UFC 270’s high-profile heavyweight championship fight, Bellator 273 features its own “champion versus champion” tilt. This time, reigning champion Ryan Bader meets interim champion Valentin Moldavsky, with the MMA betting odds siding with the Russian.
- Date: Saturday, 10 p.m. ET
- Venue: Footprint Center, Phoenix, AZ
- Watch on: Showtime
Ryan Bader (C) vs Valentin Moldavsky (IC)
- Weight Class: Heavyweight (265)
- Rounds: Five (Championship Main Event)
- Moneyline: Valentin Moldavsky -325, Ryan Bader +245
- Totals: Over/Under 3½ (-115), Under 3½ (-115u)
Moldavsky (11-1-0), as a significant favorite, looks to put away Bader (28-7-0). The Russian’s claim to fame is being a student of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko, who was knocked out by Bader in January 2019. There is action on both sides as these elite heavyweights have paths to success. But who gets it done?
Moldavsky Looking for Signature Win
Beating Bader will not only make Moldavsky the undisputed Bellator heavyweight champion, but it will give him his most notable scalp. The 29-year-old is an accomplished fighter, having won two gold medals in the World Sambo Championships. He is 6-0 in Bellator and has beaten all his opponents without issues.
Moldavsky has the frame of a light heavyweight and if he wanted to, could become a two-division champion. However, he does not cut weight at heavyweight and uses his speed to his advantage.
He only owns one career T/KO win but he hits hard and can flatten Bader if he caught him clean. As a fighter who will keep this fight standing with a proven wrestling ability, Moldavsky is worth betting online straight or in parlays.
End of Road for Bader?
Bader has had an accomplished career. He became Bellator’s first simultaneous two-division champion and also won the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix. He’s beaten a long list of former champions, including Phil Davis, Lyoto Machida and Emelianenko.
But after suffering two knockout losses in his last three fights, there are signs rearing that Bader’s career may be coming to a close. He has never taken clean shots well but his durability is even worse now.
With 36 pro fights and five KO losses in his career, one good shot from Moldavsky may just shut the door on Bader. Alternatively, fighting in his home state of Arizona may help motivate him. He still is the best wrestler in the promotion and if he can assert this aspect of his game, he may just upset the Russian upstart.
Bader vs Moldavsky: Who Wins?
We’ve gone back and forth here, and while placing a bet on Bader on the sportsbook is not a crazy idea, Moldavsky may just get this one done. He is younger, faster, and fresher than Bader. Additionally, he’s proven he is a capable grappler as he turned back wrestlers like Tim Johnson and Linton Vassell with no issues.
Moldavsky will likely beat Bader via a decision. However, there is a good chance he finishes Bader, especially with his mentor Emelianenko already having shared the cage with him. Twenty-five minutes is a lot of time to land a good shot that will make Bader turtle up.
Pick: Valentin Moldavsky -325
Even with Bader’s suspect chin, Moldavsky is not a power puncher. A combination of the grappling-heavy approach of Bader and Moldavsky taking his time will lead to a drawn-out fight. Take the over on the book.