- Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson’s fight at Bellator 277 was stopped after an accidental headbutt
- According to the rule, the fight should be a no contest in such cases.
- The Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix remains ‘unresolved’.
Bellator 277’s co-main event Vadim Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson ended in a controversial no contest. Both light heavyweight standouts accidentally clashed heads and were disappointed with how things played out. No $1M for either… at least not now.
The unfortunate event happened in the third round while the challenger, Anderson was in side control. He was trying to land some heavy shots on Nemkov when his forehead accidentally hit the champion’s eyebrow.
No Contest
Anderson immediately stopped and gave referee Frank Trigg a look while holding his forehead, signaling the headbutt. Nemkov, on the other hand, incurred a nasty cut on his brow. Trigg then stopped the clock to talk to the cage-side doctor.
After taking a look at Nemkov’s cut, the doctor decided to call it off. According to the rule, since the fight only took less than three rounds, a no-contest was required as there were not enough rounds for the officials to come with a score.
Anderson was (arguably) winning
Both Nemkov and Anderson were evidently disappointed after the fight was declared a no contest. However, it was more devastating on the part of “Overtime,” who was evidently winning the fight.
Until the accidental headbutt, Anderson had been the more dominant fighter both in standup and on the ground. The challenger was able to land a some hard shots on Nemkov. The champion was able to bounce back a bit on the ground but failed to maintain control.
Nemkov was already bleeding in the start of the second round. Anderson picked up where he left off and dominated the Russian fighter in half guard for the majority of the round.
Anderson was able to hit Nemkov with some heavy punches early in round three once again. However, the champion somehow managed to get the better of “Overtime” on the ground and attempted to go for a choke submission. Anderson was able to snuck out and returned the favor by gaining side control.
Check out the highlights below:
Nemkov stuffs the takedown attempt from @coreya_mma.#Bellator277 is LIVE on @SHOsports 👇https://t.co/TbKTQ7lKsu pic.twitter.com/xO1alufzrV
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 16, 2022
Takedown from @coreya_mma! 🔥#Bellator277 is LIVE on @SHOsports 👇https://t.co/TbKTQ7Dlk2 pic.twitter.com/R299q3Lls4
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 16, 2022
Nemkov escapes the clutches of @coreya_mma at the end of Round 2.#Bellator277 is LIVE on @SHOsports. pic.twitter.com/S2jogHPnyZ
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 16, 2022
This is a TENSE fight! #Bellator277 is LIVE on @SHOsports. pic.twitter.com/Jpjzcnmpop
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 16, 2022
The official rule is a No Contest after an accidental clash of heads. #AndStill Light-Heavyweight Champion, Vadim Nemkov.
As it stands, there is no winner in the #BellatorLHWGP.#Bellator277 is LIVE on @SHOsports. pic.twitter.com/CGeIDsaqza
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 16, 2022
👀 Here's the immediate reaction of @coreya_mma after the No Contest result in the #BellatorLHWGP.#Bellator277 is live on @SHOsports. pic.twitter.com/80frtd3JBT
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) April 16, 2022
