Exclusive Interview with Ryan Bader: UFC Fighter & MMA Cowboy

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Mixed Martial Artist and (UFC) Ultimate Fighting Championship star, Ryan “Darth” Bader, is one cowboy you don’t want to mess with.

Whether you recognize Ryan Bader from Spike TV’s The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir or on UFC’s Xbox 360 and PlayStation video games, you may not have recognized him as a cowboy.
Cowboy Lifestyle Network made their way into Bader’s state-of-the-art MMA and gym facility for an exclusive interview at

Ryan Bader celebrates defeating Jason Brilz at UFC 139 at HP Pavilion in San Jose, California. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Bader’s fight history is an impressive one with a 18-4-0 (W-L-D) record. According to UFC.com, based on results from 15 fights Darth Bader has a 14% submission, 30% striking and 56% takedown rate.

Born into a ranching background in Reno, Nevada, Ryan Bader grew up living the cowboy lifestyle and loving the western way of life.

Bader won two state championships and was ranked amongst the top five in the nation when he attended Robert McQueen High School in Reno, Nevada.

Ryan Bader (via ASU Media Relations)

After an extremely successful career in amateur wrestling, Bader entered Mixed Martial Arts and moved to Arizona to attend (ASU) Arizona State University with a full ride scholarship studying Justice and Social Inquiry.

During his time at ASU, Bader proved himself to the world time and time again. Including various titles, such as, a 2X Division I All-American in 2004 and 2006 and a 3X Pac-10 Champion in 2003, 2004 and 2006.

It was in college when Bader linked up with UFC’s American Mixed Martial Artist Clarence Byron ‘CB’ Dollaway and current UFC Heavyweight Champion, Cain Velasquez.

While attending ASU, Ryan became friends with Derby Earnhardt of Earnhardt Auto Centers.
Ryan Bader extended his ranching lifestyle and family roots when he married his lovely wife Daisy Bader, of the Earnhardt family.

When it comes to the Earnhardt’s, they are all about family. Certainly, Bader got to know the Earnhardt’s and how amazing their entire family is.

As a matter of fact, Ryan and Daisy Bader even started a family of their own with a third baby on the way in less than two and a half years.

CLN feels so privileged to have been introduced to such an amazing family man, athlete, cowboy and genuine person.

Cowboy Lifestyle Network would like to personally thank the Earnhardt family for supporting rodeo and Earnhardt Auto Centers for keeping the cowboy lifestyle alive and well.

Everyone on the Ak-Chin Indian Community, CLN and Earnhardt Auto Road Team is indisputably rooting for Ryan Bader as he matches up against Ovince Saint Preux on UFC Fight Night this Saturday, August 16^th airing on Fox Sports 1.

CLN hopes you will join us and root for him too, Click On’ and Hang On’!

Aaron Kuhl

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.