Corey Anderson strengthened his case for another potential title shot when he defeated Phil Davis on Friday at Bellator 297.
Anderson (17-6 MMA, 4-1 BMMA) defeated fellow former UFC veteran and ex-Bellator light heavyweight champion Davis (24-7 MMA, 11-4 BMMA) by split decision at the event, which took place at Wintrust Arena. The scorecard from the judges were 28-29, 29-28 and 29-28. Chris Lee was the deciding judge in Anderson’s favor.
Neither fighter hesitated test the grappling prowess of the other in the first round. Anderson and Davis tangled early and often, with both men shooting, defending, reversing and more. They traded punches in between grappling attempts, but it was very even with neither side achieving a big advantage.
🤼 Level change from @CoreyA_MMA!#Bellator297 LIVE NOW on @SHOsports 🇺🇸
🌍 Find out how to watch ▶️ https://t.co/jPjMHzLhCd pic.twitter.com/ef9Iddp3xP— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
The clinch grappling and scrambles continued into the second, but the length of the striking exchanges continued. Anderson landed more of the cleaner, more consistent strikes through the frame, but Davis, who appeared more fatigued, held his own.
The pace of the fight slowed through the final round. Anderson worked behind his jab and straight punches, while Davis tried to counter. Neither man could connect with a fight-altering shot over the final five minutes, and ultimately the three judges cageside rewarded Anderson for his work.
Massive respect to @PhilMrWonderful and @CoreyA_MMA! 🤝#Bellator297 LIVE NOW on @SHOsports 🇺🇸
🌍 Find out how to watch ▶️ https://t.co/jPjMHzLhCd pic.twitter.com/uqyjTVu8GL— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
After falling short against champion Vadim Nemkov in a two-fight series to conclude the Bellator light heavyweight grand prix, Anderson rebounded and wants another crack at 205-pound gold.
“You already know what I want,” Anderson said in his post-fight interview with John McCarthy. “There’s only one thing I’m here for. … We want that strap.”
The up-to-the-minute Bellator 297 results include:
- Corey Anderson def. Phil Davis via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29)
- Gokhan Saricam def. Daniel James via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Gadzhi Rabadanov def. Pieter Buist via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Ramazan Kuramagomedov def. Jaleel Willis via knockout (knee and punches) – Round 1, 1:24
- Norbert Novenyi Jr. def. Kamil Oniszczuk via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 0:46
- Archie Colgan def. Emmanuel Sanchez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Jordan Newman def. Matthew Perry via submission (Americana) – Round 1, 4:20
- Cody Law def. Edwin Chavez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 297.
