Bellator MMA returns to the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut for Bellator 251 this Thursday for the main card headlined by combat sports legend Melvin Manhoef 32-14-1, 2 NC MMA, 4-3-0, 1 NC BMMA) and former UFC mainstay Corey Anderson (13-5) in light-heavyweight competition. Anderson makes his Bellator debut following a loss to Jan Blachowicz at UFC Fight Night in Rio Rancho back in February earlier this year. Manhoef is riding a two-fight winning streak, fighting in June and October of last year. Manhoef is looking to reach a milestone 30th knockout with a win over the newcomer of the Viacom-owned brand. Anderson looks to start off on the right foot with a win himself in his first Bellator fight.
November 5️⃣th – #Bellator251 – @Team_Manhoef vs. @CoreyA_MMA
November 1️⃣2️⃣th – #Bellator252 – @PatricioPitbull vs. @PCarvalhoMMA
& @DanielWeichel vs. @ElMatador145
November 1️⃣9️⃣th – #Bellator253 – @TheWolfMMA vs. @AJMcKee101 pic.twitter.com/nJyFloW7cN— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) November 1, 2020
The heavyweight co-main event includes Blackzilians product Tyrell Fortune (8-1-0, 1 NC MMA/BMMA) and Said Sowma (6-1 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), who also makes his Bellator MMA debut. Fortune, a Grand Canyon University graduate, will look to use his ground and pound and grappling ability against a man who will be fighting for the fourth time this year, with Bellator MMA being his third promotion in a nine-month span.
In middleweight action, Austin “The Gentleman” Vanderford (9-0 MMA, 3-0 BMMA) engages against Chris Curtis (22-8 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), who begins his quest in Bellator against a grappling sensation from Gracie Barra Portland, while Curtis represents the legendary Team Quest.
In a welterweight war, Derek Anderson (16-3-0, 1 NC MMA, 7-3 BMMA) clashes against Killys Mota 12-1 MMA, 1-0 BMMA), who’s looking to build on a debut win over Mandel Nallo as he steps in the cage against the ten-fight Bellator veteran, who’s searching for a third straight win.
Bellator 251 will air Thursday night on November 5th at 7 PM ET with preliminary matchups beginning at 4 PM ET.
