Sarah Stier-USA TODAY Sports


The vacant light heavyweight strap will be on the line when Corey Anderson and
Karl Moore square off at a Bellator MMA event in Belfast on March 22.

Anderson confirmed the pairing on social media following an initial report from Ariel Helwani. The card in Belfast will mark the promotion’s first event since Professional Fighters League’s acquisition of Bellator late last year. Broadcast plans and a venue for Bellator Belfast have not been announced.

Vadim Nemkov officially vacated the Bellator 205-pound belt this year. He will make his heavyweight debut against Bruno Cappelozza at PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions on Feb. 24.

Anderson twice come up short against Nemkov in title bouts under the Bellator banner. “Overtime” appeared to be winning their first meeting at Bellator 277 before an accidental clash of heads resulted in the bout being ruled a no contest. The rematch went differently, however, as Nemkov captured a clear-cut unanimous decision over Anderson at Bellator 298. The 34-year-old UFC veteran returned to the win column in his most recent outing, taking a split verdict against Phil Davis at Bellator 297 this past June.

Northern Ireland’s Moore will take a four-bout promotional winning streak into the matchup with Anderson. The former Cage Warriors champion last appeared at Bellator 297, where he outpointed Alex Polizzi on the same card headlined by his upcoming opponent.

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