Phil Davis calls for rematch against champion Vadim Nemkov, but open to Corey Anderson bout

Phil Davis wants to avenge his most recent loss and regain a Bellator title all in one go.

The former Bellator light heavyweight champion wants a shot at newly crowned titleholder Vadim Nemkov following his most recent win in the main event of Friday’s Bellator 245. Davis (22-5 MMA, 9-2 BMMA) outpointed Lyoto Machida in a split decision. It was the second time Davis defeated Machida, as he had beat “The Dragon” seven years ago at UFC 163.

Davis, who lost to Nemkov in a split decision back in November 2018, wants to run it back with the Russian.

“He can fight whoever he wants to fight, but I know deep down inside a champion wants to fight that guy who was right on his ass,” Davis told reporters at the post-fight press conference. “I want that fight and I know he wants that fight.”

With several contenders in the division angling to fight the champion, it’s uncertain if Davis will get the next shot at Bellator gold. If Nemkov is not an option, Davis is willing to welcome recent signee Corey Anderson to the promotion.

“Corey Anderson, he deserves a veterans welcome to the Bellator family,” Davis said. “But that would be something to talk about and maybe, only maybe, if Mr. Nemkov isn’t available.”

“Mr. Wonderful” is currently on a three-fight winning streak. The victory over Machida might not have been the most exciting bout in his current run, but he didn’t expect anything else when taking on someone as dangerous as Machida.

“Just getting out of the cage with your head on your shoulders after fighting Lyoto, that’s its own victory,” Davis explained. “You don’t want to be like, ‘Oh this fight means more because then you can fight that guy.’ No, just beat Lyoto, he’s no small feat.”