2-22-2023 3:19pm

3rd time the charm for “Overtime” Anderson vs Nemkov?

Corey Anderson advances on a MMA competitor.

Corey “Overtime” Anderson is calling out mixed martial arts (MMA) champion Vadim Nemkov.

Anderson, a former Hononegah wrestler who is honored with a commemorative sign on Hononegah Road, has reached MMA's top tier. In a title bout at Bellator 288, Nemkov defeated Anderson in a unanimous decision to retain his Bellator Light Heavyweight title. However, Anderson feels like the history between the two is tied at 1-1.

Anderson lost their first bout in April 2022 on an accidental headbutt that ended the match early but when everyone felt Anderson was on his way to winning against Nemkov.

But on Nov. 18, 2022, at Bellator 288, Nemkov was able to get the advantage in the rematch and retain his title, winning a million dollar prize.

A few days after his loss, Corey “Overtime” Anderson said on social media, "We will be back better than before on the next one!" Since then, Anderson has regained his swagger and confidence on social media. Anderson responded to a Twitter comment on Feb. 21 with “TRILOGY sounds about right. 1-1 time to settle the score,” making sure to include Vadim Nemkov in the response.

With seemingly no real opponent for Anderson to face, I expect this tweet to start the smoke for an ember then to grow into a fire which Bellator will look to book another championship fight.

Thank you to Sherdog, Bellator and @CoreyA_MMA for information and images for the story.