The decision to depart from the UFC after nearly seven years of competition was a welcome move for former divisional staple, Corey Anderson. An even better move was immediately signing with Bellator MMA, in what was widely considered mutually beneficial because Anderson would bolster their light heavyweight division and Bellator would receive a well-known name for their expanding roster.
Anderson made his promotional debut at Bellator 251 and knocked out Melvin Manhoef in the second round of their fight. It was after this performance that many believed Anderson could be in the running for a potential title shot against light heavyweight champion, Vadim Nemkov.