Bellator signs former UFC light heavyweight contender Corey Anderson to multi-fight deal

Corey Anderson has a new MMA home.

Anderson (13-5 MMA, 0-0 UFC), a former UFC light heavyweight title contender, has signed with Bellator, a promotion official told MMA Junkie on Friday. No timeline or opponent has been revealed for Anderson’s debut with the promotion. ESPN was first to report the news.

Anderson, 30, is the light heavyweight winner of Season 19 of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Over the span of his 15-fight UFC career, Anderson went 10-5. Notable wins included Glover Teixeira, Johnny Walker and Jan Blachowicz.

Anderson most recently competed in the UFC on ESPN+ 25 main event in February. In a rematch against Blachowicz, Anderson was knocked out in the first round. The loss snapped a four-fight winning streak.

In a recent Facebook post, Anderson said he has not competed since due to a head injury sustained shortly after the Blachowicz rematch. Anderson claimed he was not properly evaluated by New Mexico Athletic Commission medical professionals on fight night. As a result, he passed out and hit his head on the pavement, which he said caused serious injury.

Anderson did not reveal the reason for his blackout, but said he had recently been cleared to fight after a rigorous schedule of doctors’ appointments and tests.