Corey Anderson Released From UFC Contract Upon Request, Signs With Bellator

Corey Anderson has signed with Bellator.

Anderson, who was not a free agent, recently asked for his release from the promotion and was granted it, according to sources. He still had multiple fights left on his deal, sources say. Shortly thereafter, he signed with Bellator.

— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 7, 2020

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Bellator MMA has just unexpectedly acquired the services of a top-five light heavyweight.

On Friday, ESPN announced that Corey Anderson (13-5) requested his release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The promotion granted his request, despite several fights remaining on his contract. He has since been signed by Bellator, who have now picked up one of their largest acquisitions to bolster their heavier roster.

Anderson made his UFC debut in his fourth pro fight, winning Season 19 of “The Ultimate Fighter” by knocking out Matt Van Buren in just over a minute. “Overtime” amassed a record of 10-5 with the Las Vegas-based promotion, notching wins over names including Glover Teixeira, Jan Blachowicz and Ilir Latifi. Recently on his longest UFC winning streak of four-straight, Anderson dropped a rematch to Blachowicz in February, losing by first-round knockout.

The man previously known as “Beastin 25/8” will presumably join the Bellator light heavyweight division towards the top echelon, and might be in line for a title shot or in need of a single win to reach it. Fellow UFC ex-pats Ryan Bader – who is the champion – along with Phil Davis and Alessio Sakara will greet him there, along with Bellator staple Liam McGeary and upcoming title challenger Vadim Nemkov. Anderson does not yet have an opponent scheduled.

The 205-pound fighter is currently ranked #5 on the Sherdog divisional rankings and he is the #4 light heavyweight on the UFC rankings as well.