Corey Anderson Next Fight
Corey Dickstein has covered the Pentagon for Stars and Stripes since 2015. His reporting focuses largely on Pentagon policy, military operations, the Army, the Air Force and military justice. 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.
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.”
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.
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“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.”