Corey Anderson wants Vadim Nemkov or Phil Davis after outstanding Bellator debut

UNCASVILLE, Conn. – There are only two fighters Corey Anderson is interested in fighting after his successful promotional debut at Bellator 251 – and one has the light heavyweight championship.

“(I want) Phil Davis and (Vadim) Nemkov – the two people fighting for the belt,” Anderson said at a post-fight news conference. “After they (fight), I want the winner. There’s no reason why I shouldn’t get it. (Ryan) Bader is going to heavyweight to defend his belt. If he was staying at 205, I would fight him. But he’s gone. Lyoto (Machida) just lost, so why would I fight a loser? I want somebody that won.”

Anderson (14-5 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) signed with Bellator in August. Thursday, he wet his feet in the promotion when he elbowed his way to a second-round TKO victory over Melvin Manhoef. He expressed the dominant performance sets him up perfectly for whoever the promotion’s belt-holder is.

While both fighters have expressed interest, Nemkov (12-2 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) vs. Davis (22-5 MMA, 9-2 BMMA) has not been booked. Bellator president Scott Coker committed to the matchup publicly.

If Nemkov and Davis were to face each other inside the cage, it wouldn’t be the first time. Nemkov defeated Davis, a former UFC light heavyweight, by split decision in November 2018. A rematch would could down similarly, predicted Anderson.

“We already saw Nemkov beat him once (and) I think he just got better,” Anderson said. “He’s going to do the same thing, so technically, I want Nemkov. But if Phil wins, I want Phil. I want the belt. I want that belt on my wall. I’ve been dreaming about it. I want a belt over my TV when I wake up every morning. I want to see it (and say), ‘I did that.’”

Before he returns to the Bellator cage, Anderson’s next move doesn’t have anything to do with fighting – but rather a seasonal hobby of his.

“(I’ll fight) once hunting season is over with,” Anderson said. “Let me get back to my tree stand. I’ve got some deer to slay, baby. Feb. 15 is the last day of Jersey’s season. Call me all you want after that.”

Bellator 251 took place Thursday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card streamed on CBS Sports Network after prelims on MMA Junkie.