Anderson grinds out Moore to win vacant Bellator light heavyweight title

BELFAST, Northern Ireland - Corey Anderson defeated Karl Moore via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 50-45) to capture the vacant Bellator light heavyweight championship in the main event of the Bellator Champions Series Belfast on Friday at SSE Arena.

"I finally did it," Anderson, who had challenged for the title twice before, said in his postfight interview. "Momma, we made it."

The former UFC light heavyweight contender relied on his wrestling to smother Moore throughout the five-round affair. Anderson said he was "satisfied" with the victory but wishes he put on a better performance.

The fight between Anderson and Moore was scheduled after Vadim Nemkov relinquished the 205-pound belt to move up to the heavyweight division.

Anderson challenged Nemkov for the title twice. Their first fight in April 2022 ended in a no-contest, and then Nemkov beat Anderson by unanimous decision in a November 2022 rematch.

Anderson is now riding a two-fight winning streak after beating former champion Phil Davis last June.

Moore, who is from Belfast, was riding a four-fight winning streak heading into his first Bellator title shot.