Ryan Bader advanced to the semi-final of the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix, as he defeated Lyoto Machida by unanimous decision at Bellator 256.
Machida was beating up the body of Bader in round one, landing some hard kicks that reddened Bader’s torso. After struggling to close the distance in the second round, Bader secured his first takedown of the fight and started to land some ground and pound.
The tide was turning as Machida was struggling to defend Bader’s takedowns. ‘Darth’ continued to grind out Machida on the ground landing short shots, and the final three rounds were scarcely competitive.