Corey Anderson did exactly what was expected of him against Melvin Manhoef at Bellator 251: takedown and beat up an under-sized and over-aged opponent.
Bellator 251 wrapped up with a main card that generated a number of interesting storylines, including Anderson's promotional debut, Austin Vanderford's undefeated streak, and a terrific use of instant replay. Take a look below at all of Thursday's main card highlights.
Corey Anderson def. Melvin Manhoef by TKO via strikes (2:34, R2)
Anderson did exactly what was expected of him in his Bellator debut. The former ranked UFC light heavyweight took down and beat up an under-sized and over-aged Manhoef. The veteran fighter performed ably in round one; however, Anderson grounded and whooped on him in the second stanza.
-- @CoreyA_MMA gets the takedown early in round 1️⃣.
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
The #Bellator251 main event is LIVE NOW on @CBSSports in the ---- and with @SkySports Mix in the ----! pic.twitter.com/3Qw520iECu
---- Heavy shots from @CoreyA_MMA as round 1️⃣ of the #Bellator251 main event winds down.
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
Catch round 2️⃣ LIVE & FREE now on @CBSSportsNet in he U.S. and with @SkySports Mix in the U.K.#MMA #Bellator pic.twitter.com/BL1EwMzpHw
HELLBOWS!@CoreyA_MMA gets the finish in his #Bellator debut! #Bellator251 #MMA pic.twitter.com/CnEeJxUJDp
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
-- "Whoever's got that strap..come see me!"@CoreyA_MMA has his sights set on #Bellator gold!#Bellator251 pic.twitter.com/eYXhNp626m
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
Tyrell Fortune def. Said Sowma by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
The fight was so uneventful that not even Bellator's social media team could come up with highlights. Fortune won.
Austin Vanderford def. Vinicius De Jesus by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Vanderford improved his undefeated record to 10-0 after shutting down a difficult and durable opponent in De Jesus. Vanderford fended off a decent kneebar attempt in round one but otherwise dictated the fight.
.@AustinV170MMA is looking relentless in the first moments of round 2️⃣.
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
The #Bellator251 main card is LIVE NOW on @CBSSportsNet in the U.S. and with @SkySports Mix in the U.K. pic.twitter.com/rNUsGn7mWB
Some nasty ground & pound from @AustinV170MMA to close out the third and final round.
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
The #Bellator251 main card is LIVE NOW on @CBSSportsNet in the ---- and @SkySports Mix in the ----. pic.twitter.com/Zi3z12WG4l
Derek Anderson def. Killys Mota by KO via head kick (4:27, R2)
Instant replay saved the day at Bellator 251. Anderson finished Mota with a head kick that was initially deemed an illegal strike to a downed opponent. Referee Mike Beltran reversed the decision to a KO after reviewing the footage.
----@KillysM is landing some nasty elbows in round 1️⃣
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
The #Bellator251 main card is LIVE now on @CBSSportsNet in the ---- and with @SkySports Mix in the ----. pic.twitter.com/sw0nwfnawS
--@DerekBarbaric looking dominant in the 2️⃣nd round.
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
The #Bellator251 main card is LIVE NOW on @CBSSportsNet in the ---- and with @SkySports in the ----. pic.twitter.com/bRtjyu5u96
---- @DerekBarbaric comes away with the W tonight via this headkick!
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 6, 2020
What are your thoughts on this KO?--#Bellator251 pic.twitter.com/mZObUklgIB
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