Coming off a no-contest result in their first bout, Corey Anderson challenged light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov in an immediate title rematch at Bellator 288.
Bellator 288: Vadim Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson
Round 1
Nemkov with an outside low kick. Double jab from Nemkov and another jab from Nemkov lands. Nemkov with a 1-2. Anderson goes for the single leg but Nemkov gets out and hits a spinning backfist. Anderson eats a big counter right. Anderson’s takedown attempt gets stuffed. Nemkov with a jab. Anderson tries to get the single leg but couldn’t. Anderson finally gets him down but only for a moment. Nemkov returns to the middle. Anderson with a wild looping overhand missed. Nemkov working off the jab. Anderson tries single leg and doesn’t get it. Big overhand from Nemkov and Anderson lands a big uppercut. Right cross from Nemkov lands. Spinning back kick by Nemkov drops Anderson right at the end of the round.
Round 2
Nemkov continues his striking game plan. Big shot by Nemkov and then a body kick. Anderson’s takedown attempt stopped by Nemkov but he ate a short hook on the way out. Nemkov with a lead left hook. Anderson looking for a takedown and Nemkov stops him. Corey has him in the clinch to get the takedown but eventually fails and lets him go. Nemkov slips a jab and returns fire. Anderson with a nice left hand. Inside low kick by Anderson lands on the cup. Referee separates them but Nemkov is ready to get back right away. Corey closes the round with a calf kick.
Round 3
Vadim opens with a double jab. Corey goes for the takedown again and Nemkov stops it. Nemkov with a nice jab to the face. Anderson tries to time the shot but Nemkov stuffs that takedown too. Corey’s head lands on Nemkov’s jaw. Nemkov lands a three punch combo. Anderson is turning up the pressure here. Anderson lands the right while slipping his head to the left. Counter jab by Anderson. Anderson keeps trying to walk him down. Nemkov doubling up on the jab but not following with the right. Nemkov throws a cross right. Anderson connects a left shot. Strong outside leg kick by Corey.
Round 4
Nemkov with a calf kick. Anderson shoots for a takedown from distance and doesn’t get it. Nemkov with a jab followed by a nice uppercut. Anderson connects and has Nemkov off the fence. Nemkov gets out and returns to trade in the middle. Anderson lands a jab but eats a big counter right. Low calf kick by Nemkov. Another one. Anderson’s lead leg is compromised from the kicks. Another kick by Nemkov. Nemkov hits a good jab and outside low kick. Jab by Nemkov. Nemkov is chopping away at Anderson’s legs and connecting the jab at will. Nice overhand right by Anderson. He goes for a takedown but doesn’t get it. Nemkov’s mouthguard falls out for a third time this bout. Nemkov with an outside kick to the leg.
Round 5
Nemkov comes out fast with the jabs and low kicks. Anderson shoots and misses again. Outside leg kick and another down the middle to the body by Nemkov. Nemkov goes for a spinning attack against a moving Anderson. Anderson tries again for a takedown and eats a knee. Anderson so far 0 for 15 in takedown attempts. Huge cross by Nemkov. Anderson is trying to make something work here but Nemkov is peppering him with the jab.
Official Result: Vadim Nemkov defeats Corey Anderson via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46 x2).
Check out the highlights below:
The champ lands clean on @CoreyA_MMA.#Bellatorr288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/30bjTvUWO5
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
BIG drama to end round 1, as Nemkov drops @CoreyA_MMA.#Bellatorr288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/ZRE8jcm6TH
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
🦵🤯 @VadimNemkov ends round 1️⃣ with a bang! 💥
Tune in with @SHOSports LIVE NOW for the #Bellator288 main event and the culmination of the #BellatorLHWGP. pic.twitter.com/IB4z0CY7hw
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
2️⃣ rounds to go. How are you scoring this? #Bellatorr288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/ixgke9eC3J
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
Nemkov looking strong in the final round!#Bellator288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/5zk5UE6yY6
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
It's been 𝙖𝙡𝙡 Nemkov 𝙖𝙡𝙡 night 🔥#Bellator288 pic.twitter.com/i7TTa4ytwg
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) November 19, 2022
