Corey Anderson Replaces Ante Delija, Meets Vadim Nemkov at Road to Dubai Event

𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙏𝙍𝙄𝙇𝙊𝙂𝙔 𝙂𝙊𝙀𝙎 𝘿𝙊𝙒𝙉 𝙄𝙉 𝘿𝙐𝘽𝘼𝙄! 🇷🇺🇺🇸 @VadimNemkov runs it back with Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion, @CoreyA_MMA at the Coca-Cola Arena on Saturday January 25!

Who gets their hand raised in this high stakes heavyweight co-main event? 🤔

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BE THERE!… pic.twitter.com/JKepSPI1J5

— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) December 11, 2024

Corey Anderson and Vadim Nemkov will square off for a third time early next year at Champions Series Dubai.

Anderson is a replacement for Ante Delija, who withdrew from the event. Champions Series Dubai takes place on Jan. 25 at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is headlined by a lightweight championship clash between Usman Nurmagomedov and Paul Hughes. Champion Series Dubai is the PFL’s rebranding of Bellator MMA, which it acquired at the end of 2023.

Anderson and Nemkov initially fought in the Bellator grand prix final in April 2022. Anderson appeared to be on his way to victory when an accidental clash of heads resulted in the bout being ruled a no contest. Nemkov cruised in the rematch, taking a five-round unanimous verdict at Bellator 288 in November 2022. Their third meeting will be contested in the heavyweight division.

Nemov would defend his light heavyweight strap once more, besting Yoel Romero in the Bellator 297 main event in June 2023. The Russian moved to heavyweight in his most recent outing, as he scored a second-round submission win over Bruno Cappelozza at a PFL vs. Bellator event this past February.

Anderson is 2-0 since his loss to Nemkov. He defeated fellow UFC veteran Phil Davis via split decision at Bellator 297 before claiming the vacant Bellator light heavyweight title with a decision triumph over Karl Moore at Bellator Champions Series Belfast on March 22.