Corey Anderson Impresses in Bellator debut, stops Manhoef
Bellator 251 took place Thursday, Nov. 5 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on CBS Sports Network after prelims streamed on live on Bellator’s youtube channel. They will return with its latest offering on Thursday night when Melvin Manhoef takes on Corey Anderson in the main event of Bellator 251.
Manhoef, one of the most embellished strikers in combat history, he returns for the first time in over one year. After losing back-to-back contests, Manhoef has reeled off wins over Kent Kauppinen and Yannick Bahati, whom he defeated via second-round TKO at Bellator 230 in October 2019.
Anderson makes his Bellator debut after winning four of his last five fights in the UFC. In his last time out, he lost to Jan Blachowicz by second-round knockout in February. During the summer, “Overtime” requested and ended up being granted his release from the promotion. Bellator immediately reached out to Anderson and they agreed to a deal in August.
A win for Anderson puts him right in the thick of things in what is starting to become a competitive light heavyweight division. If Manhoef pulls off the upset, he gets himself into the conversation as well at the end of his luscious career.
ROUND 1:
30 seconds in and it’s a quick start. Anderson shoots for a double early. He picks up Melvin and drops him to the mat. Just pass one minute and Corey is already on top. Another takedown is landed from Anderson and his firing short heavy shots against the cage against Manheof.
MyMMANews.com scores it: 10-9 to Corey Anderson
ROUND 2:
Second round starts. Melvin lands a lead calf kick. A take down is stuffed from Manhoef. Corey reengages for the takedown and this time he is successful and gets the takedown. He’s in half guard. Looking for a kimura. He lets go. Some elbows on top from Anderson. A heavy elbow lands from Corey, Melvin looked to be hurt, he raining them in and in, this is sone heavy top pressure from Corey, ref is asking for something from Manhoef. A huge elbow lands clean and he’s cut open badly, the ref was quick to stop it after, the fight is over.
Official Decision:
Corey Anderson defeated Melvin Manhoef via TKO – Round 2, 2:34
