Bellator returns to Chicago for the first time since 2019. Illinois fight fans will find it to be well worth the wait, as champion Vadim Nemkov (15-2, 1 NC), and No. 1-ranked Corey Anderson (16-5, 1 NC) square off in the highly anticipated Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final. Their first Grand Prix Final fight ended in a No Contest.
The Russian is eager to make the most of his opportunity against Anderson following the dissatisfaction of their first fight. Many believe Anderson was on his way to becoming the new champion, but an accidental headbutt ended the fight just five seconds prematurely.
Adamant that he will “correct his mistakes,” Nemkov has been next to perfect in his Bellator tenure. The protégé of the legendary Fedor Emelianenko is unbeaten in eight promotions fights, including a title-clinching knockout victory over heavyweight champion Ryan Bader in August 2020, stoppages of former champions Liam McGeary and Rafael Carvalho, and two sound defeats over Phil Davis.
Facing off with Anderson again allows Nemkov the opportunity to erase the lone semi-blemish of his record.
Corey Anderson believes that he would have won the match in its later rounds if not for the headbutt that stopped the fight with just five seconds remaining in the third frame.
The 32-year-old’s path to the Bellator title fight was dominant, outclassing Dutch star Melvin Manhoef in his Bellator debut before knocking out Grand Prix opponents Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov and Bader to reach Nemkov in the finals.
