Bellator athletes gathered with the media on Wednesday, March 13th, offering insights into the highly anticipated Bellator Champions Series event set for March 22nd, 2024, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Among the lineup, Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) will go head-to-head with Karl Moore (12-2) in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship Main Event, while Patricio Pitbull (35-7) and Jeremy Kennedy (19-3) prepare to battle it out for the Featherweight No. 1 Contender Co-Main Event position.
As anticipation mounts, both fighters and fans brace themselves for an evening of intense competition and thrilling matchups in the cage.
Corey Anderson Laser Focused on Taking the Title
Marking his return to the title scene for the first time since November 2022, Anderson has once again positioned himself at the pinnacle of his division. Despite his recent achievements, he refuses to grow complacent, maintaining a focused and determined mindset. In discussions with the media, Anderson opened up about his approach and outlook heading into this pivotal bout, expressing optimism that the third attempt will be the breakthrough needed to secure the coveted Bellator Light Heavyweight championship.
I’ve fought in some of the biggest arenas, the most sold-out action-packed crowds, the thing is to just go out there and save your energy, save your energy for your opponent,” Anderson said. “Don’t worry about anything else, don’t focus on that. That’ just something you develop. I actually developed it in college competing my whole life with tunnel vision…”
“The objective is to get to the cage and handle business,” Anderson added. “Then when it’s all over said and done, that final bell, everything comes to reality, where you were and what happened. So right now, same thing, big opportunity, third opportunity, same thing. Get to the cage, focus on the game plan, and pay attention to everything else once it’s all over said and done.”
Karl Moore Excited to Fight for the Title on his Turf
Currently riding a scorching streak of four consecutive victories, Moore’s latest triumph came against Alex Polizzi in June 2023. Now, the 32-year-old Irish fighter sets his sights on Corey Anderson, eager for the opportunity to claim victory in front of his compatriots. Moore exudes enthusiasm as he approaches the upcoming bout, harboring lofty aspirations of delivering a memorable performance for his nation.
“A win over Corey solidifies me as one of the best in the world,” Moore said. “Nothing but respect for Corey, but he’s in my way of achieving greatness and it’s not personal, but he’s just another person I have to beat to get where I want to be. Doesn’t matter if it’s him, if it was [Vadmin] Nemkov, if it was anybody, this is my moment. This just feels like everything in my career, the fight camp, personal life, everything is just a lane for this moment. And I feel like it’s my time.
Patricio “Pitbull” Freire with Bold Statement Ahead of Big Matchup
With a staggering record of 16 title fights under his belt, Patricio is a seasoned veteran in the realm of championship bouts, boasting an impressive 12-4 record in such matchups. Brimming with confidence, the three-time Bellator Featherweight champion, “Pitbull”, boldly declared to Jeremy Kennedy that he views him as merely another obstacle to overcome in his ongoing dominance of the division.
“I have much respect for all my opponent, especially for what he did to get here and who he had to through,” Freire added. “But I have some sad news for him, not for me. It’s: You will lose.”
Fight Versus Pitbull is a Long Time Coming for Jeremy Kennedy
Entering this highly anticipated matchup, Kennedy brings formidable momentum, riding a three-fight win streak, culminating in a decisive victory over Pedro Carvalho via unanimous decision.
With his sights set on securing his inaugural Bellator title, Kennedy reflects on the journey to this pivotal moment. Initially unsure if he would ever get the chance to face Pitbull after witnessing Patricio’s choice to compete against Sergio Pettis and Chihiro Suzuki before him, Kennedy now eagerly anticipates their upcoming showdown. With the clock ticking down to their encounter in the Octagon, Kennedy expresses his excitement at finally having the opportunity to face off against “Pitbull.”
“I’ve been training my whole career for this,” Kennedy said. “This has all led up to this point. The circumstances surrounding it, you know, the last-minute change last couple of weeks, it kind of fell into my lap. So, this is perfect. I was already training for this fight, and I’ve been training for this fighter, Pitbull, for a year now, you know waiting. So, I’m fully prepared and now it’s just a little switch, quick switch in opponent and bigger opportunity, more reward.”
What’s Next
The Bellator Champions Series event kicks off at noon on ESPN+ pay-per-view next Friday, March 22nd in Belfast, Northern Ireland as the anticipation mounts for what promises to be an electrifying showcase of top-tier talent and thrilling matchups.
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