SUMMARY
- Corey Anderson is a former UFC fighter that many may have forgotten about.
- Recently, Anderson claimed the Bellator light heavyweight title.
Corey Anderson is a name many MMA fans may have heard in passing. Whilst hardcore fans will know exactly who he is, a lot of people may not be aware of the problem that he was back in his UFC days. Although many may have felt that he faded into obscurity, the fighter is in fact doing very well for himself.
For those unaware, ‘Overtime’ is a former UFC light heavyweight contender, who jumped ship to Bellator. Recently, Corey (18-6) claimed the vacant Bellator MMA light heavyweight title, defeating Irish challenger Karl Moore (12-3) via unanimous decision. After more than a decade of fighting and some amazing results, Anderson can finally call himself a champion.
View this post on Instagram
A monumental moment in his career, to say the least, he has finally succeeded in claiming the title at the third time of asking. In the past, Corey beat Ryan Bader but then fell short, firstly due to a no-contest at Bellator 277 and then a majority decision to the same opponent at Bellator 288. Thus, he was finally able to realize the potential he showed glimpses of during his UFC tenure.
Corey Anderson’s UFC career wins and highlights
For those unaware, Corey Anderson is also a TUF alumnus who made his way into the UFC after beating Matt Van Buren. During his run in the UFC, Corey went 9-5, racking up big wins but also suffering some emphatic losses in the process. Notably, at the peak of his powers, Anderson was the #4 ranked contender in the light heavyweight division.
Throughout the course of his UFC career, Corey managed to pick up wins against the likes of Jan Blachowicz, and Glover Teixeira, two fighters that went on to claim the light heavyweight strap. Following his win over Johnny Walker in 2019, Anderson was eyeing a fight against Jon Jones. Unfortunately, a loss to Jan Blachwoicz in the rematch meant that he would have to wait his turn.
View this post on Instagram
As it turns out, Anderson would end up parting ways with the UFC entirely after his fight against Blachowicz. Over the years, he has feuded with the likes of the Polish fighter and former champion Jamahal Hill as well. Referred to as a ‘B league’ fighter by them, Corey Anderson also feuded with UFC President Dana White after his release. As it turns out, White had made some very demeaning comments about the fighter when he jumped ship to Bellator.
Why did Corey Anderson leave the UFC?
Naturally, many may have wondered as to why Corey Anderson chose to part ways with the UFC. According to sources, the fighter, who was 30 years old at the time still had two more fights on his deal and had just headlined a Fight Night event. As it turns out, there were some deep-rooted problems that led to his exit and subsequent move to Bellator.
For the most part, the fighter felt as though the promotion seemingly turned their back on him after he faced heart complications, a few months after the Blachowicz rematch. During the potential career-ending procedures, the UFC sent him contracts for fights that Anderson was being paid too little for the risk. Amid negotiations, the possibility of his exit was brought up and the UFC agreed, without hesitation.
View this post on Instagram
Naturally, the fighter, seeking better remuneration for his services, turned his attention to Bellator. Since then, Corey Anderson claims that he has been able to look after his family better and free his wife from working a job. By knocking out Melvin Manhoef in his Bellator debut, it has taken six more fights for Anderson to claim the title. All things considered, he has buried the hatchet with the UFC and is also doing well for himself.