CHICAGO – The Bellator light heavyweight grand prix is over and Vadim Nemkov was the last man standing.
The Bellator light heavyweight champion retained his title by defeating former UFC contender Corey Anderson in the light heavyweight grand prix final at Bellator 288. Nemkov (16-2 MMA, 8-1 BMMA) defeated Anderson (16-6 MMA, 3-2 BMMA) in a unanimous decision, winning 48–47, 49–46 and 49–46 on the scorecards.
It was the second time they fought, as they competed back in April at Bellator 277. The bout ended in a no contest after there was an accidental clash of heads that rendered Nemkov out of the bout due to a severe cut.
This bout was Nemkov’s third title defense. He also took home the $1 million prize that came from winning the grand prix.
Bellator 288 took place on Friday at Wintrust Arena. The main card aired on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.
It was a great showing by Nemkov, who completely shut down Anderson’s wrestling. Anderson attempted 15 takedowns and was unable to complete one.
The fight started at a high pace. It was high volume from both fighters as they went back and forth on the feet. As the round went by, Nemkov began leading the way. He was having good success with the right hand, connecting it multiple times. Anderson tried multiple takedowns, but none were successful. In the last seconds, Nemkov connected with a spinning wheel kick that dropped Anderson, who went for the takedown immediately after falling back and survived the round.
🦵🤯 @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
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
Nemkov carried that momentum to the second, third, fourth and fifth rounds. Anderson had his moments on the feet, but Nemkov was clearly having more success. Anderson again attempted multiple takedowns over and over, but Nemkov stuffed them all.
Nemkov would slow down and his attack would decrease in the championship round. And although Anderson upped the pressure and seemed to be the fresher fighter, Nemkov did enough to stuff any takedown attempt and score significantly on the feet.
Nemkov looking strong in the final round!#Bellator288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/5zk5UE6yY6
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
Nemkov is now expected to defend his title on Feb. 4 at Bellator 290 in California. His challenger is former UFC contender Yoel Romero, who’s on a two-fight winning streak.
This win kept Nemkov unbeaten in his Bellator career. Since joining the promotion in 2027, Nemkov has notched eight victories and the one no contest against Anderson. The Russian fighter has only lost twice in his career – a TKO loss to current UFC champion Jiri Prochazka back in 2015 and a split decision loss to Karl Albrektsson. Both defeats came under the Rizin FF banner.
On the other hand, Anderson suffered his first loss since leaving the UFC. The 33-year-old joined the Bellator ranks in 2020 and picked up three straight wins, defeating Melvin Manhoef, Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov, and Ryan Bader. He followed up that streak with the no contest bout against Nemkov.
Full results of Bellator 288 include:
- Vadim Nemkov def. Corey Anderson via unanimous decision (48-47, 49-46, 49-46)
- Usman Nurmagomedov def. Patricky Freire via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44, 50-44) – for lightweight title
- Timur Khizriev def. Daniel Weichel via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
- Daniel James def. Tyrell Fortune via TKO (elbows) – Round 2, 0:27
- Levan Chokheli def. Roman Faraldo via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Imamshafi Aliev def. Sean Fallon via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 3:20
- Killys Mota def. Jairo Pacheco via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Archie Colgan def. Jesse Hannam via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:50
- Sullivan Cauley def. Jay Radick via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:01
- Jordan Newman def. Jayden Taulker via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 3:20
- Laird Anderson def. Rob Fenicle via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:28
- Isaiah Hokit def. Matias Nader via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:48
- Wladmir Gouvea def. Kory Moegenburg via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 1:46
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 288.
