Derek Anderson finishes Killys Mota in round two at Bellator 251
We have a great night of fights tonight at Bellator 251, where former top five UFC light-heavyweight contender Corey Anderson (13-5) makes his promotional debut against one of the most dangerous strikers in all of MMA, Melvin Manhoef (32-14-1) 2 NC.
Co-headlining the event is a heavyweight match up between the highly touted Tyrell Fortune (8-1) 1 NC and Said Sowma (6-1).
Tonight’s main card opener showcased a welterweight match up between Derek Anderson (16-3) and Killys Mota (12-1). Both of these talents’ last fights were in October of last year, with Anderson competing at Bellator 229, and Mota competing at Bellator 231, both of which were winning efforts.
Mota’s only defeat had come to now UFC talent Austin Hubbard, who TKO’d him at 4:45 of round five of their LFA Lightweight Championship bout. This fight is only three rounds, will that make a difference?
Anderson has spent most of his career in the 155 lb division, but he’s simply too big to make that required lightweight limit anymore. He does fit very well into 170 lbs however, he just needs to fight more often in order to really make a name for himself. This was just his fifth fight since 2015, he’s had one fight each year since, including this one.
Round 1
The action starts with Anderson taking the center of the cage, before Mota tied up with him, securing an inside trip. Anderson makes it back to his feet and goes for a double leg up against the fence, but Mota jumped on a guillotine and swept Anderson with it.
Anderson was able to get out of it, but ended the round with Mota on his back.
Round 2
About one minute into round two, Mota secured another beautiful takedown, this time a double leg outside trip. Anderson made his way back to his feet and gets Mota pinned up against the fence.
Anderson then picked him up in a double leg and walked him across the cage before finishing the takedown. Mota tries for an armbar, but to no avail. Mota started working his way back up and got to bottom turtle position.
Anderson waited for what he thought was the perfect time to throw a head kick, but it appeared to be an illegal strike, with Mota still seemingly a downed opponent.
However, Connecticut has adopted the new unified rules for mixed martial arts. Therefore, one hand on the mat isn’t enough to be considered a downed opponent.
Official Result: Derek Anderson def. Killys Mota via KO (head kick) at 4:27 of round two.
