Corey Anderson Next Fight
Anderson was the last title fight athlete to the scale, weighing 144.5 pounds for the title tilt. The third championship bout on the UFC 259 fight card features bantamweight titleholder Petr Yan. Corey Anderson (born September 22, 1989) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing for Bellator MMA in the light heavyweight division. Prior to signing with Bellator, Anderson competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he was the light heavyweight winner on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Edgar vs. Team Penn and achieved success as a top 5 UFC light heavyweight contender.
Corey Anderson may not have drawn the most recognizable name in the next Bellator tournamennt, but that doesn’t mean he’s taking him lightly.
Anderson (14-5 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) will take on Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov in the quarterfinals of the light heavyweight grand prix at Bellator 256, which takes place April 9 in Uncasville, Conn. The card airs on Showtime.
The Turkmenistan-born fighter doesn’t have the same notoriety as fellow grand prix competitors Yoel Romero or Anthony Johnson, but he boasts an eight-fight winning streak, with six coming by way of finish.
After doing his research, Anderson said he knows he’s in for a tough outing against Yagshimuradov (18-5 MMA, 0-0 BMMA).
“I definitely had to do a quick Google,” Anderson told reporters at a media availability following Bellator’s Tuesday news conference. “First of all, I had to make sure my manager spelled his name right because I thought he was butt dialing and sending a bunch of random letters, and when I put it in (Google) it actually came up. I’m like, ‘Wait. This is a person’s name.’ After doing my research, I’m like, ‘I can’t look past this guy because I didn’t know him.’
“This guy actually has a pretty good style, he has a pretty good record and he’s well-known from where he’s from. I did my research. He’s a big name over where he’s from, and just because we didn’t know him, (that) doesn’t mean anything. So I’m not looking past anybody.”
Corey Anderson Next Fight
Since joining the Bellator roster in August, Anderson has already put the division on notice with a second-round finish of Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 251. His accolades – which include wins in the UFC over top contender Glover Teixeira, rising prospect Johnny Walker and light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz – could have resulted in a direct shot at Bellator champion Vadim Nemkov, but Anderson has no problem climbing his way to a title fight.
Corey Anderson Next Fight Today
“You’re always hoping for a title shot,” Anderson said. “That’s what we’re all here for. If you’re not here to be the best, then why are you even here? If you’re here for a check, you should have left a long time ago because that’s when injuries happen. I’m here to be the best – I’m here to get the belt.”