Bellator 251 was Corey Anderson’s coming out party in Bellator. The arrival of the former Ultimate Fighter 19 winner and light heavyweight standout was a big moment for Bellator’s 205lb weight class. Shoring up an already impressive roster, Anderson joined the likes of champ Vadim Nemkov, Ryan Bader, Phil Davis, Liam McGeary, Lyoto Machida, and others — potentially even Gegard Mousasi down the road.
Paired up against Melvin Manhoef on Thursday, Anderson did exactly what he was supposed to do — rely on his powerful takedowns and dominate an aging Melvin Manhoef. Picking up the second round TKO, Anderson may have earned himself a shot against the winner of Nemkov vs. Davis 2.
Check below for full results and a gallery of main card highlights from Bellator 251
Bellator 251: Manhoef vs. Anderson Results
Main Card:
Corey Anderson def. Melvin Manhoef by TKO, Round 2, 2:34
Tyrell Fortune def. Said Sowma by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Austin Vanderford def. Vinicius de Jesus by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Derek Anderson def. Killys Mota by TKO, Round 2, 4:27
Preliminary Card:
Georgi Karakhanyan def. Bryce Logan by split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Julius Anglickas def. Alex Polizzi by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Janay Harding def. Jessy Miele by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ali Zebian def. Piankhi Zimmerman by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-38)
Jaylon Bates def. Joe Supino by unanimous decision (30-25, 30-27, 30-27)
Sumiko Inaba def. Jessica Ruiz by TKO, Round 1, 4:59
