Corey Anderson Releases Statement Following KO Defeat at UFC Rio Rancho

Corey Anderson saw his light heavyweight championship dreams go up in smoke at UFC Rio Rancho.

The fighter known as “Overtime” entered Saturday’s card on a four-bout winning streak, but a powerful right hook from Jan Blachowicz brought an emphatic conclusion to their headlining bout just 3:08 into the opening stanza. Anderson, who was favored in the bout, previously defeated Blachowicz via unanimous decision at UFC 191 in 2015.

While a victory would have positioned Anderson for a crack at reigning 205-pound king Jon Jones, it was Blachowicz who was able to posture for his own opportunity with the reigning champion seated cageside in his adopted home state.

Anderson is taking the loss in stride, however. The 30-year-old released a statement on social media, and he seems to be ready to move forward.

“A great coach once told me ‘You have 5 minutes to sulk and then it's on to the next one.’ We live and we learn,” Anderson wrote. “Back to the drawing board. I appreciate each and every fan and hater! A [loss] has never stopped me and it ain't stopping me now. See y’all at the top!”

A great coach once told me "you have 5 minutes to sulk and then it's on to the next one!" We live and we learn. Back to the drawing board. I appreciate each and every fan and hater! A lose has never stopped me and it ain't stopping me now. See yall at the top! #ufc

— Corey Anderson UFC (@CoreyA_MMA) February 16, 2020

Most of Anderson’s professional career has taken place under the UFC banner. The Illinois native won Season 19 of “The Ultimate Fighter” and has compiled a 10-5 record in the Las Vegas-based promotion with notable wins over the likes of Johnny Walker, Ilir Latifi, Glover Teixeira and Blachowicz.