Which UFC Fighter Has Made The Jump To Bellator?

One of the top light heavyweights in MMA has decided to take his talents elsewhere.

In a shocking move, Corey Anderson has signed with Bellator. An initial report by ESPN went into detail stating that Anderson still has multiple fights left on his deal with the UFC. He ended up asking for his release from the promotion, which was granted.

“This was a mutual decision between Corey and the UFC,” said Anderson’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz. “I’d like to thank the UFC and Bellator, everyone involved. This entire process took less than two hours to work through, and we’re grateful to both promotions.”

Anderson (13-5) made his professional debut in 2013. The 2014 Ultimate Fighter Light Heavyweight Tournament winner in Anderson was 10-5 with the UFC. While never fighting for the UFC Light Heavyweight Title, Anderson was close.

“Overtime’s” last fight was a knockout-loss to Jan Blachowicz back in February. The loss ended a four-fight win streak. Anderson was ranked fourth in the UFC’s light heavyweight rankings.

Officially with the promotion, Anderson joins a division in which Ryan Bader is the champion. He will look to defend his Bellator Light Heavyweight Title for the first time in 2+ years when he faces Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 244 on August 21.

I would like to formally welcome top-ranked light heavyweight @CoreyA_MMA to @BellatorMMA. pic.twitter.com/74NIcFR2Ep

— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) August 7, 2020