Prelude to a Championship Clash

Photo: PFL

In the virtual press conference for Bellator championship series – Belfast, the main event participants were politely confident about their skills and the expected outcome. Corey “Overtime” Anderson (17-6, 8 KO's) and Karl Moore (12-2, 2 KO's, 5 Subs) both said they are treating this like another fight. This is no ordinary main event, as it is the first since a recent reorganization and it’s for the Light Heavyweight Title vacated recently by Vadim Nemkov.

For Anderson it’s his third shot at gold. The first time, it was a no contest due an accidental clash of heads. In the press conference, the Joliet, Illinois native admitted the success he found in the initial encounter with Vadim Nemkov caused him to take things less seriously in the rematch. Something he vowed to never do again as Vadim beat Anderson for 25 minutes.

In front of his friends and family in Chicago at the Wintrust Arena, Overtime left, defeated. Making things worse, the loss meant he would not collect the $1 million check that accompanied the Light Heavyweight tournament victory.

The third time may be a charm, or it may be three strikes and you’re out for the MMA veteran. This time instead of being in front of his adoring fans, he will be in enemy territory as Belfast on Karl Moore takes the stage for the biggest fight of his life. Fighting at home can be difficult with the demands of family and friends looking for tickets. The self-proclaimed hermit, Moore, said when it’s fight time he doesn’t look at his phone so he does not see the request. Karl stays focused on the task at hand which is being dominant over five rounds. If victorious he will be the first championship of a major organization to come from SBG Ireland since Conor McGregor.

Video courtesy of the PFL

The crowds in Ireland are often electric as and Moore believes this will be to his advantage. During a back and forth exchange Karl told Corey, “You’ve never experienced the Belfast crowd.” To which Corey replied “You’ve never fought anybody like me before.” History will be made at the SSE Arena on March 23rd when these two face off in the main event. The co-main features the longtime face of Bellator, Patricio Pitbull, defending his Featherweight Title against UFC and PFL Vet Jeremy Kennedy. “The Strabanimal” James Gallagher will also be in action against Leandro Higo and former Title Challenger Fabian Edwards takes on Canadian Aaron Jeffrey.

All media courtesy of the PFL