Ryan Bader Releases Statement on Sudden Closing of Power MMA and Fitness
The former co-owner of the gym in Gilbert, AZ, explained in a text message why the decision was made to close the training center.
Ryan Bader (AP Photo)
Newly signed Bellator light heavyweight Ryan Bader told SiriusXM RUSH on Tuesday that his gym, Power MMA and Fitness, has closed.
Bader, a former co-owner of the gym based in Gilbert, AZ, explained in a text message why the decision was made to close the training center:
“In short, we could not come to terms with our landlord for a new lease at our current location which is 27,000 square feet. It has been a great 7 years at Power MMA and Fitness. We have worked with so many great coaches and students, but now the time has come to put more focus on our pro team. We have the right coach in Jair Lourenco and we look forward to a bright future for the fight team. Thanks to all! Also, our pro team is still intact and growing, no change there.”
Bader signed a multi-fight deal with Bellator back in March and is scheduled to fight Phil Davis in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 24. He explained to SiriusXM RUSH where he will finish out his training camp for the fight:
“We are using a wrestling facility to finish our camp that will be bigger than the space the pro team is currently using at Power. We will do an exclusive private high-end pro gym along with bringing along our strength coach. We will have the mat space, full cage, and functional strength training space. Our pro team is just taking off and we need to consolidate. The gym was too big and wasted space in a 27k space.”
Bader also announced the gym’s closing in a Facebook post:
“What a great/fun 6 plus years! If you’ve been in the gym your know the scoop and if not here it is. Our lease was up and we could not come to terms/negotiations with a new lease in the 27k sq ft facility. We are sorry for the short notice as we were hoping for more time as the negotiations continued. I want to sincerely thank every single member who has walked through the door, I have made numerous lasting friendships with a ton of you. I want to thank the people that have been there from the beginning through thick and thin. @dannybrandtmuaythai @maracababjj @jasonkamens and the pro team. These guys were with us from the very beginning. It’s time that some will move on and build successful programs of their own and some will move forward with us on our next venture. | The most satisfying thing for me was watching these kids and members come in with nothing, and put in the work to achieve their goals. Wether it was to lose weight or be the best in the world at jiu jitsu/muay Thai/boxing/mma. The pro team is growing and thriving under the direction of coach @jairlourencoknu and we look to continue adding more and more top tier talent in our new venture coming soon. Thank you all!”
