Corey Anderson maximized his preparation and left “no stone unturned” in his third and potential final opportunity to claim the Bellator light heavyweight title.
After two failed attempts to capture the belt from ex-champ Vadim Nemkov, the longtime veteran Anderson hopes the third time is the charm when he takes on Karl Moore for the vacant 205-pound strap in Friday’s Bellator Champions Series: Belfast main event, which takes place at SSE Arena in Northern Ireland.
Anderson (17-6 MMA, 4-2 BMMA) admits he did his due diligence in training camps for the fights with Nemkov, but that wasn’t the case this time around. He expects no surprises from Moore (12-2 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) on fight night.
“I’ve had enough fights where I’ve seen and done it all,” Anderson told MMA Junkie Radio. “I’ve been in the game for 10 years, in the big time. UFC and Bellator for 10 years. … No matter what Karl Moore throws, I’m 100 percent sure I’ve got the answer for it. I’m ready. I’m not going to be caught off guard.”
Anderson, 34, and Moore, 32, get this opportunity as a result of Nemkov relinquishing the belt to move up to the heavyweight division. Anderson hasn’t let the his rivalry with the Russian go just yet, and could see a trilogy bout in the future.
There could be all sorts of other opportunities for Anderson on the horizon, too, especially in the new Bellator era since PFL purchased the promotion. But first things first, Anderson needs this win against Moore.
“After I get the belt, anything is possible,” Anderson said. “If they give me the opportunity to go up to heavyweight and fight Nemkov, 100 percent percent. Let’s go. … My thing is I have to finish my business at 205 (pounds) first.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator Champions Series: Belfast.
