Brief Introduction of Ryan Loder
Ryan Loder is a multifaceted American athlete who has successfully transitioned from a highly decorated collegiate wrestling career to the world of professional mixed martial arts. Known for his powerful wrestling base and relentless competitive spirit, Loder first gained national recognition as a NCAA Division I All-American for the University of Northern Iowa. After a successful wrestling career, he channeled his athletic prowess into coaching before embarking on a new journey in MMA. This path culminated in a significant breakthrough in 2024, when he won the middleweight title of “The Ultimate Fighter: Season 32,” earning a coveted contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Nicknamed “Man of Steel,” Loder is recognized not only for his physical strength and skill inside the octagon but also for his academic achievements, holding an MBA, and his advocacy for mental health awareness among athletes.
Ryan Loder Overview
| Full Name | Ryan Loder |
| Date of Birth | June 5, 1991 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 34 |
| Birthplace | Roseville, California, USA |
| Profession | Professional Mixed Martial Artist, Wrestling Coach |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Son of Ron and Kathy Loder; has two brothers. |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | In a relationship with Avery Blackman since May 2020. |
| Net Worth | Estimated $800,000 |
Early Life and Education of Ryan Loder
Ryan Loder was born on June 5, 1991, in Roseville, California, and grew up in the nearby suburb of Granite Bay. From a very young age, Loder demonstrated a remarkable dedication to the sport of wrestling, starting his journey in the first grade. His early life was characterized by a strong work ethic; he has spoken about mowing lawns during summers to afford wrestling gear and training camps, showcasing an early commitment to his athletic ambitions. He attended Granite Bay High School, where he established himself as a formidable force on the wrestling mat. During his high school career, Loder was a two-time state placewinner and a two-time Fargo freestyle All-American, accolades that pointed towards a promising future in the sport. Beyond wrestling, he also played football, earning third-team all-state honors as a linebacker.
After a standout high school career, Loder earned a full scholarship to the University of Northern Iowa (UNI), a testament to his wrestling prowess. He chose UNI because of the people and the wrestling program. At UNI, he continued to excel both athletically and academically. He competed for the UNI Panthers wrestling team from 2009 to 2014 at the 184-pound weight class. Loder’s dedication extended to his studies, as he pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management-Administration. Demonstrating a keen interest in the business side of athletics and entrepreneurship, he didn’t stop there. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northern Iowa. During his graduate studies, he served as a graduate assistant for UNI’s Panther Scholarship Club and the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, which was recognized as the student entrepreneurship program of the year in 2015.
Ryan Loder’s Career
Ryan Loder’s career is a story of two distinct yet interconnected chapters: an elite wrestling background followed by a determined rise in mixed martial arts. His foundation was built at the University of Northern Iowa, where he compiled an impressive collegiate wrestling record of 114 wins and 27 losses. He was a four-time NCAA qualifier, a three-time top-twelve finisher, and a three-time team captain. A significant highlight of his collegiate career came in 2013 when he earned NCAA Division I All-American honors by placing seventh at the national championships. In his redshirt freshman year, he was named the Western Wrestling Conference Freshman of the Year. A remarkable statistic from his time at UNI is that he never gave up bonus points in a match, a testament to his defensive skill and resilience.
After his collegiate wrestling career concluded, Loder continued to compete in freestyle wrestling for the Panther Wrestling Club at the senior level, notably placing sixth at the 2015 U.S. Open. He then transitioned into coaching, sharing his extensive knowledge with the next generation of athletes. He served as the assistant wrestling coach for San Francisco State University starting in the 2017-18 season. He also founded the Apex Wrestling Academy in Sacramento, a year-round program for youth and high school wrestlers, and coached for California USA Wrestling national teams.
The global pandemic in 2020 marked a pivotal turning point in Loder’s career. With wrestling programs, including San Francisco State’s, shutting down, Loder found himself training at Urijah Faber’s Team Alpha Male gym. While initially helping MMA fighters with their wrestling, he was encouraged to try a fight himself. After winning his first amateur bout by TKO, he was hooked and decided to pursue a professional MMA career, which began in 2021. Loder’s breakthrough into the mainstream came in 2024 when he was selected for Season 32 of the reality television series “The Ultimate Fighter.” Representing Team Shevchenko, he navigated a bracket of tough international competitors, securing victories over Tom Theocharis and Omran Chaaban to reach the finale. In August 2024, at UFC Vegas 96, Loder defeated Robert Valentin by TKO in the second round to become The Ultimate Fighter 32 middleweight champion and earn a UFC contract. His UFC career has since seen him face formidable opponents, and he continues to compete in the middleweight division.
Ryan Loder Personal Life & Family
Despite his growing public profile, Ryan Loder maintains a relatively private personal life. He was born to parents Ron and Kathy Loder and has two brothers. His mother, Kathy, has expressed immense pride in his dedication and success, even though she initially did not let her sons watch MMA or other combat sports. Loder is in a long-term relationship with Avery Blackman, with their relationship beginning in May 2020. He is not married and does not have children.
Outside of the gym and the octagon, Loder is an avid outdoorsman. He enjoys a wide range of activities that connect him with nature, including surfing, backpacking in Yosemite, snowboarding, trail running, and free diving. This love for the outdoors provides a balance to the intense and disciplined life of a professional fighter. Loder is also a vocal advocate for mental health, often using his platform to discuss its importance for athletes. He incorporates practices like meditation and journaling into his routine to maintain mental fortitude, believing that mental and physical health are deeply connected. He resides in his hometown of Granite Bay, California.
Awards and Achievements of Ryan Loder
- The Ultimate Fighter 32 Middleweight Winner (2024)
- NCAA Division I All-American (2013, 7th place at 184 lbs)
- Four-time NCAA Championship Qualifier
- Three-time NCAA Top-12 Finisher
- Western Wrestling Conference Freshman of the Year (2011)
- U.S. Open, 6th Place (2015)
- Two-time Fargo Freestyle All-American (High School)
- Two-time California State Placewinner (High School)
Ryan Loder Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Ryan Loder’s net worth is estimated to be around $800,000. His primary sources of income are derived from his career as a professional mixed martial artist. This includes earnings from fight purses with the UFC, which reportedly increased significantly after he won “The Ultimate Fighter” and secured a multi-fight contract. His income is also supplemented by potential performance bonuses awarded by the UFC for exceptional fights. Before his UFC contract, his earnings came from fights in other promotions like the United Fight League. Additionally, Loder likely earns income from sponsorships and his continued involvement in wrestling as a coach and the founder of Apex Wrestling Academy.
Legacy and Influence
Ryan Loder’s legacy is still being written, but he has already made a significant impact in both wrestling and mixed martial arts. In the wrestling world, he is remembered as one of the standout performers for the University of Northern Iowa under coach Doug Schwab, helping to elevate the program during his tenure. His record of never conceding bonus points in a collegiate match speaks to a level of tenacity and technical soundness that is rare and influential. As a coach, he has passed on his knowledge and Division I experience to numerous young athletes at both the collegiate and youth levels, shaping the next generation of wrestlers.
In MMA, his victory on “The Ultimate Fighter” provides an inspirational story of career transition and perseverance. He represents a new wave of high-caliber wrestlers who have successfully adapted their skills for the octagon, proving the continued dominance of a strong wrestling base in modern MMA. Beyond his athletic achievements, Loder is building a legacy as an advocate for mental wellness in sports. By openly discussing his own practices of meditation and journaling, he helps to destigmatize mental health challenges among male athletes, encouraging a more holistic approach to training and well-being. His journey from collegiate wrestler to MBA graduate to UFC fighter demonstrates a commitment to excellence in multiple facets of life, influencing athletes to consider their education and long-term well-being alongside their competitive careers.
Interesting Facts about Ryan Loder
- He holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and an MBA from the University of Northern Iowa.
- Before becoming a professional fighter, he was the assistant head wrestling coach at San Francisco State University.
- His journey into MMA was somewhat accidental, starting after the COVID-19 pandemic shut down his college coaching job.
- Growing up, his mother did not allow him to watch MMA or professional wrestling.
- He is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying activities like surfing, backpacking, and snowboarding.
- During his entire collegiate wrestling career at UNI, he never lost a match by major decision, technical fall, or pin.
- He is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
- He coached the son of former UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping at SF State.
Controversies
Information not publicly available. Ryan Loder has maintained a professional public image, and there are no widely reported controversies associated with his career.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Information not disclosed.
- Twitter – Information not disclosed.
- YouTube – Information not disclosed.
Final Words about Ryan Loder
Ryan Loder’s career is a compelling narrative of adaptation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From the wrestling mats of Granite Bay High School and the University of Northern Iowa to the bright lights of the UFC octagon, he has consistently proven his mettle. His foundation as an All-American wrestler provided the perfect springboard for a successful transition to mixed martial arts, culminating in his triumphant win on “The Ultimate Fighter 32.” Now firmly on the UFC roster, Loder’s focus is on ascending the middleweight ranks, leveraging his elite grappling skills and ever-improving striking. Beyond his fighting career, Loder’s commitment to coaching, his academic achievements, and his advocacy for mental health underscore a well-rounded individual whose impact extends beyond his athletic accomplishments. As he continues his journey, Ryan “Man of Steel” Loder represents not just a powerful athlete, but a thoughtful and influential figure in the world of combat sports.