Country Living

Earnhardt family congratulates Ryan Bader for his MMA Bellator World Title

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Ryan Bader, son-in-law of Hal Earnhardt, recently won the Mixed Martial Arts Bellator World Title. The Earnhardt family is proud of Bader and his accomplishments!

Bader is champion in both the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions, and he currently competes with Bellator Mixed Martial Arts. Nicknamed “Darth Bader,” he is ranked as the number two Light Heavyweight and the number eight pound-for-pound fighter in the world by MMAJunkie.com.

Before signing with Bellator, Bader achieved success as a top 5 Light Heavyweight contender with a UFC record of 15-5. Bader wrestled in high school in Reno, Nevada, ranking as high as fourth in the country. He attended Arizona State University and was a three-time Pac-10 Champion, winning titles in 2003-2004 and 2006. Bader began training at Arizona Combat Sports in early 2007.

Bader joined the Earnhardt family with his marriage to Daisy, Hal Earnhardt’s daughter and Tex Earnhardt’s granddaughter. Bader and his wife live in Chandler and have three children.

The Earnhardt team believes in treating their customers like family. With 21 locations in Arizona and Nevada representing 17 brands, Earnhardt Auto Centers is one of the most recognizable automobile dealerships in the Southwest.

Earnhardt patriarch Tex Earnhardt started his first Ford dealership in Chandler at the age of 21. As business grew, Tex gained fame as the straight-shooting cowboy in the “No Bull” commercials. Over the years, Tex’s children and grandchildren joined him in the business.

While the Earnhardt’s have seen great success, they remember the values that helped to build their business. Tex and his family believe in treating everyone like family. As Tex Earnhardt says, “Treat everyone the way you would treat your mama!”

The Earnhardt’s are proud of family member Ryan Bader’s awards, and they congratulate him for his achievements!

Carolyn Sostrom

Carolyn Sostrom is a long-time Arizona resident who loves desert sunsets, warm weather and zumba. As a writer, she’s covered technology, medical and travel topics.

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