UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Why is Corey Samuels nicknamed “Lightning Wolf?”
It was given to him by his grandfather because of his eagerness to get things done – and he gave the world a taste of that character trait Friday.
On the Bellator 261 prelims, Samuels (3-2 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) and opponent Isaiah Hokit made their promotional debuts. A main training partner of A.J. McKee, Hokit (0-1 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) was signed as a former Fresno State University wrestler looking to test the waters in mixed martial arts.
Nearly a 5-to-1 underdog on average across major online sportsbooks (per BestFightOdds), Samuels notched a 10-second knockout – one of the quickest finishes in Bellator history.
“What I wanted to do is basically let everyone know I’m here,” Samuels told MMA Junkie at a post-fight news conference. “Basically, even in my amateur career everybody has been doubting me, like, ‘Oh, he’s not going to do this,’ and all that.”
Samuels, 28, entered his Bellator debut with one win by disqualification and one by submission. The finish of Hokit was his first and he’s not surprised it came quickly – in vintage “Lightning Wolf” fashion.
“My grandfather gave (my nickname) to me,” Samuels said. “I was always so quick to do everything.”
As for what’s next, Samuels isn’t under contract with Bellator. But with the way things ended and Bellator president Scott Coker posting a highlight of his finish, Samuels is optimistic the promotion will keep him around.
“I hope (they keep me), or I’ll knock somebody else out somewhere else,” Samuels said.
Bellator 261 took place Friday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card aired on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.
At Bellator 261, Corey Samuels lived up to ‘Lightning Wolf’ nickname given by grandfather
