Corey Anderson is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the light heavyweight division. He has fought in both the UFC and Bellator. He is the current Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion.
Here we have Corey Anderson’s net worth, fight purse earnings, career, MMA record, and more.
Corey Anderson’s Biography
| Name | Corey Anderson |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1989 |
| Birthplace | Rockford, Illinois, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Nationality | American |
| Weight Class | Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) |
| Reach | 79 in (201 cm) |
Corey Anderson was born on September 22, 1989, in Rockford, Illinois, USA. He began his athletic career as a collegiate wrestler, and his skills on the mat laid the foundation for his future success in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Anderson holds a Bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, where he was also a standout wrestler.
After transitioning into MMA, Anderson quickly made a name for himself through his work ethic and relentless fighting style.
MMA Career
Corey Anderson made his professional MMA debut in 2013 after training under the guidance of former UFC champion Frankie Edgar. He quickly caught the attention of UFC scouts with his dominant performances on the regional circuit.
Anderson’s big break came in 2014 when he competed in The Ultimate Fighter season 19, where he won the light heavyweight tournament by defeating Matt Van Buren in the finals.
Anderson went on to compete against some of the biggest names in the light heavyweight division. His most notable wins include victories over Glover Teixeira, Jan Błachowicz, and Johnny Walker.
Anderson’s wrestling, combined with his striking ability, has allowed him to control fights, often outworking his opponents in three- and five-round bouts.
In 2020, Anderson transitioned from the UFC to Bellator, where he continued to shine.
In his Bellator debut, Anderson defeated Melvin Manhoef via TKO, showcasing his well-rounded skill set.
Corey Anderson secured a significant victory over Karl Moore on March 22, 2024, at Bellator Champions Series 1 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Anderson won via unanimous decision after five rounds, capturing the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship.
Achievements
- The Ultimate Fighter 19 Light Heavyweight Tournament Winner (2014)
- Performance of the Night (UFC)
- Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion (2024)
Corey Anderson’s Net Worth Details
Corey Anderson’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025. His earnings have come primarily from his UFC and Bellator fights, as well as bonuses and sponsorship deals.
Anderson has steadily increased his financial earnings since transitioning to Bellator, where he has earned substantial fight purses and bonuses.
His career earnings also reflect his multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses from his UFC days.
Fight Purse Earnings
| Fight | Prize Money |
|---|---|
| UFC Fight Night vs. Glover Teixeira | $150,000 |
| UFC Fight Night vs. Jan Błachowicz | $100,000 |
| Bellator 251 vs. Melvin Manhoef | $200,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2021 | $2.3 million |
| 2022 | $2.5 million |
| 2023 | $2.8 million |
| 2024 | $3 million |
Endorsements
Corey Anderson has partnered with several brands during his career, including Monster Energy and apparel companies catering to MMA athletes.
MMA Records
| 25 matches | 18 wins | 6 losses |
| By knockout | 8 | 4 |
| By decision | 10 | 2 |
| No contests | 1 | |
FAQs
1. Where was Corey Anderson born and what is his athletic background?
Anderson was born in Rockton, Illinois. He began as a standout wrestler in high school before competing at Lincoln College, Newberry College, and the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater, earning All-American honors and finishing second at the 2012 NCAA Division III Championships.
2. How did Anderson transition from wrestling to mixed martial arts?
Ben Askren, a welterweight champion and wrestler, encouraged Anderson to try MMA after noticing his unique mobility. Anderson trained at various gyms and was motivated by his wrestling background to pursue a fighting career.
3. What is Corey Anderson’s nickname and weight class?
He competes under the nickname “Overtime” in the light heavyweight division, fighting at 205 pounds. Anderson has also fought in heavyweight bouts during recent Professional Fighters League events.
4. What are Anderson’s most notable achievements in major MMA promotions?
Anderson won The Ultimate Fighter 19 Tournament in UFC, held the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship, and became the inaugural PFL Light Heavyweight Champion in 2025, making him a multi-organizational titleholder.
5. What is Anderson’s overall professional MMA record?
Anderson holds a record of 20 wins, 6 losses, and 1 no contest. He is known for winning a majority of his fights by decision or technical knockout, displaying stamina and ground control.
6. Which major fighters has Anderson competed against and what were those outcomes?
Anderson faced top competitors such as Jan Blachowicz, Glover Teixeira, Vadim Nemkov, Ryan Bader, and Johnny Walker. He defeated Bader, Teixeira, and Walker, and fought Nemkov three times, with mixed results and a title win following Nemkov’s vacating the belt.
7. Why did Anderson leave the UFC and what was his next step?
After a health scare and wanting better career opportunities, Anderson left UFC in 2020 and signed with Bellator MMA, eventually moving to compete in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) after Bellator’s merger with PFL.
8. What is Anderson’s fighting style and what sets him apart in the cage?
He relies on wrestling, pressure, and cardio, averaging over four takedowns per 15 minutes. Anderson mixes striking and ground-and-pound tactics, often wearing down opponents with relentless clinch work and takedowns.
9. How did Anderson become the inaugural PFL Light Heavyweight Champion?
Anderson defeated Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov by unanimous decision after five rounds at PFL Champions Series 3 in Dubai, securing the first-ever PFL Light Heavyweight World Championship.
10. What challenges has Anderson faced during his MMA career?
Anderson has dealt with knockout losses, injuries, and missed title shots due to promotional decisions. He overcame a major health scare in 2020 and continued to compete at a championship level across organizations.
