Bellator 273: Ryan Bader seeking 'redemption' in hometown fight against Valentin Moldavsky

Ryan Bader is seeking «redemption» when he defends the heavyweight title against interim champion Valentin Moldavsky at Bellator 273 on Saturday.

The event takes place at the Footprint Centre in Phoenix, where the Arizona-based American was knocked out by Corey Anderson just three months ago.

It was the first time Bader, 38, had fought in front of his home fans.

«Obviously I don't want to go out like that — I definitely want to get it back,» he told BBC Sport.

Bader, who is based out of Chandler, added: «It's one of the worst ways to lose when you feel like you didn't even get to fight at all. You get clipped behind the ear and your body shuts down. I was like 'man, like that in front of a hometown crowd'?

»It sucked but I get a chance at redemption here and it's for a belt, so it's even sweeter."

Bader will be defending his title against Russia's Moldavsky, 29, for the first time in more than two years following a spell at light-heavyweight.

The extra weight is not a problem according to Bader because he normally weighs 235lb when not training for a fight.

He says the cut to make 205lb at light-heavyweight was more of an issue and his days in that division are likely over.

«I don't see a reason to go back. I don't have the light-heavyweight belt anymore so there's no obligations there,» said Bader.

«There's nothing that makes sense for me to go back down. I'm getting older now and with my body, heavyweight is the weight I need to be at.»

Bader believes the skills he possesses at light-heavyweight are even more dynamic in the higher weight class.

He added: «It's a lot faster at 205lb, so I bring that speed up and have a speed advantage at heavyweight. My cardio is also a weapon, so I bring my endurance up to that level for sure.»