TheMix.net

Ryan Bader has heard the rumors.

Bader knows some are wondering if retirement is closer than ever. 

But “Darth” isn’t feeling it.

Bader returns to action this Saturday night vs. Valentin Moldavsky at Bellator 273. The bout will unify the heavyweight titles live on Showtime.

While Bader, a former Ultimate Fighter winner, is coming off a loss, he is confident in himself and his skills.

“I am not done yet. I feel that fire still,” Bader said. “I feel healthy and I can train the way I need to in order to be successful. I don’t want to look back and say, ‘Oh man, I had a few years and a few fights when I stopped and regretted it for the rest of my life.’

“I feel amazing. I don’t see any quitting here in the near future.”

Bader is just 1-2 over his last three fights, but all three have come at 205 pounds. He won the Bellator heavyweight title in 2019 with a finish of Fedor Emelianenko and is 3-0 with a no-contest in the division.

“It means a lot to me to go out there, defend and unify this heavyweight title,” Bader said. “I have been wanting to fight at heavyweight for two years. He (Moldavsky) is an interim champ. a great prospect. I have had my eyes on him for a while.”