Anderson On UFC Rio Rancho Loss: ‘We Live And We Learn’
Heading into his fight against Jan Blachowicz last Saturday, Corey Anderson was talking himself up to whoever would listen. He posted on social media, spoke to TMZ and was having a ball during media scrums. His confidence showed he was ready to take on Jon Jones for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title.
Unfortunately for Anderson (13-5), all of his talk was just that. Inside the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, Blachowicz (26-8) knocked out Anderson in the opening round. It ended Anderson’s four-fight win streak and hopes for a title shot. Anderson took the loss in stride, however, assuring he is OK via social media.
“A great coach once told me, ‘You have fight minutes to sulk and then it’s on to the next one!’ We live and we learn,” Anderson stated. “Back to the drawing board. I appreciate each and every fan and hater! A lose {loss} has never stopped me and it ain’t stopping me now. See ya’ll at the top!”
It is a much different attitude by Anderson than the buildup to the fight. One crushing right hand by Blachowicz changed everything. The two are now 1-1 against one another, with Anderson beating Jan at UFC 191 in 2015 via unanimous decision.
As far as the future of Anderson goes, highlight wins over dominant opponents like Johnny Walker, Ilir Latifi, Tom Lawlor and Glover Teixeira should help the 30-year-old’s cause.