Ryan Loder’s Resurgence: From Knockout Lessons to UFC Qatar Showdown

The Octagon can be a brutal teacher, and for Ryan Loder, his UFC debut brought a harsh, yet invaluable, lesson. Following a decisive knockout loss to Azamat Bekoev, the Ultimate Fighter Season 32 winner knew a fundamental shift was needed. Now, as he prepares to step back into the cage at UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs Hooker in Doha, Qatar, Loder isn’t just seeking a win – he’s ready to unveil an entirely new version of himself, forged in the fires of introspection and relentless training.

The Phoenix from the Ashes: Learning from Defeat

May 2025 marked Ryan Loder’s first walk to the UFC Octagon in Des Moines, a moment he’d dreamt of. Yet, despite the excitement, Loder candidly admits he “wasn’t ready” for the challenge. He wasn’t bringing excuses to the table, but a confluence of injuries and personal setbacks had left him short of his peak performance. The loss was tough, a bitter pill to swallow, but for Loder, it immediately became a catalyst for change.

“The loss was tough, but we always learn from that,” Loder reflected. “It’s OK. I have more fights on my contract, and I’m relatively new to the game. Each time I’m out here, it’s a whole different fighter.”

This mindset, seeing every setback as a learning opportunity, is precisely what defines his journey. With only eleven professional fights over four years, Loder understands that his MMA career is still in its infancy, ripe for growth and evolution.

Redefining His Game: An Odyssey to Thailand

One of the most significant takeaways from his debut was the glaring need to enhance his striking. To address this head-on, Ryan Loder made a bold move: he enlisted UFC veteran and striking phenom, Viacheslav Borshchev, as his coach. Their collaboration led them halfway across the world to Thailand, the mecca of Muay Thai.

Working out of the renowned Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA gym, Loder and Borshchev embarked on an intensive daily regimen. They meticulously dissected and rebuilt Loder’s stand-up game, focusing on technique, power, and defensive footwork. The change in scenery and the grueling daily work proved transformative.

• Intense Sparring: Two dedicated sparring days per week against diverse partners, testing new techniques.
• Drill-Focused Sessions: Fine-tuning fundamental striking mechanics with Borshchev.
• Mental Reset: Escaping the usual routine to fully immerse himself in training.

“Thailand was more just a place to get away from what I’m normally doing,” Loder explained. “We really just worked together a lot… It was good to put myself out there and then test what we’ve been working on.” He is now eager to demonstrate just how much his striking has evolved.

The “Young Veteran”: A Unique MMA Journey

At 34, Ryan Loder might seem like an older fighter, but in the realm of professional mixed martial arts, he’s surprisingly green. Since his pro debut in October 2021, he’s compiled just nine official fights, plus his two victories on The Ultimate Fighter, highlighting his accelerated path to the UFC. This unique timeline means every fight, every training session, is a vital “rep” – an opportunity to gain invaluable experience.

Beyond his work with Borshchev, Loder also sharpened his tools training with red-hot middleweight Anthony Hernandez, further adding to his repertoire. His pragmatic approach to his career means he’s constantly seeking out opportunities to learn and improve, understanding that experience is the ultimate currency in this sport.

Gearing Up for Doha: Loder vs. Naurdiev

The stage is set for Ryan Loder’s next challenge: a showdown against the formidable Ismail Naurdiev at UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs Hooker. For Loder, the focus isn’t on what Naurdiev will bring, but rather on executing his own game plan. While his wrestling background remains his foundational strength, fans can expect to see a much-improved stand-up game, a direct result of his arduous training in Thailand.

Naurdiev is a respected opponent, having split his two recent Octagon appearances, securing a decision win over Bruno Silva at UFC 308 before falling to JunYong Park. This bout promises to be a true test of Loder’s newfound skills and mental fortitude.

The Path Ahead: A Different Ryan Loder

For Ryan Loder, the past is simply a stepping stone. “I can’t change anything that happened,” he stated. “It’s a learning experience. It’s growing from that experience. Now I get to showcase like, OK, now it’s a different fighter. And each time I come out, I’m a different fighter.”

This unwavering belief in continuous improvement, coupled with the support of his team, makes Loder a truly exciting prospect. He’s not just returning to the Octagon; he’s arriving as a meticulously retooled athlete, hungrier than ever for his first official UFC victory. His journey is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of self-improvement – a narrative sure to captivate fans.

Don’t Miss the Action!

Catch Ryan Loder’s highly anticipated return at UFC Fight Night: Tsarukyan vs Hooker, live from ABHA Arena in Doha, Qatar, on November 22, 2025. Prelims kick off at 10 AM ET / 7 AM PT, with the main card following at 1 PM ET / 10 AM PT.