Bellator MMA will kick off 2024 in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and when it does, Corey Anderson will get his next shot at light heavyweight gold.
Now owned by the PFL, Bellator will be run as a separate entity for the time being, and Anderson will headline the first show of the new era for the company. He’s been booked opposite Karl More in Belfast on March 22, 2024.
News of the booking was first reported by Ariel Helwani. No other match-ups have been announced or reported for the event.
Anderson (17-6, 1NC) is the #1-ranked fighter in the weight class, which had been helmed by Russia’s Vadim Nemkov until he vacated the belt and announced his move up to heavyweight. Moore is currently ranked #4 in Bellator’s official rankings, which are voted on by members of the media.
Anderson has twice before fought for gold in Bellator, with both fights coming against Nemkov. The first ended early due to an accidental headbutt, while the rematch would see Nemkov retain his title in a five-round decision victory.
That fight doubled as the finale of Bellator’s light heavyweight grand prix. Anderson bounced back from the loss by defeating fellow UFC alum and ex-Bellator champ Phil Davis last June.
Moore (11-2), a former Cage Warriors champ, has won his last four fights, all under the Bellator banner. He holds wins over Alex Polizzi and Karl Albrektsson among others.
Bellator Belfast does not yet have a venue or broadcast plan officially announced or reported. The last time the promotion visited the city, in 2017, the event took place at the SSE Arena Belfast, with over 10,000 fans turning out for Bellator 173.
Coincidentally, another Bellator MMA star, Leah McCourt, hails from the city— and depending on which way the promotion wants to go with women’s featherweight champ Cris Cyborg, McCourt could also be on the Bellator Belfast card.
