Corey Anderson Gunning For the Top in 2017
Corey Anderson Gunning For the Top in 2017
UFC light heavyweight Corey Anderson has his sights set on big things in 2017.
The beast is growing stronger and that’s bad news for the rest of the UFC light heavyweight division. Corey Anderson is coming for that top spot.
Winning Season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter was one small in achievement in the grander scheme of things, and if there is anything to be known about Anderson outside the cage it’s that his mind never breaks from the big picture. Anderson never stops working and pushing toward the things he wants to achieve and is literally willing to fight for his future.
The 27-year-old has kept his overall game on constant evolution and adopted a mindset where no session is wasted inside the gym. This allows all bases to be covered and full confidence to be reached when it’s time to make the walk to the Octagon.
And if his second-round TKO over Sean O’Connell at Fight Night 102 is any proof, the newly minted ‘Overtime’ is ready for some big game in 2017.
“It felt great and like I told you the last time we talked I knew I had to go out there and make a statement,” Anderson said. “I couldn’t leave it in the hands of the judges anymore. I had to go out there and finish the fight and make him feel the pain I felt.
“That was the most comfortable and confident I’ve felt in a fight yet. The whole time I was in camp training for this fight I kept telling my coaches if we go out there and do what we’ve planned and worked for there was no way this guy was going to touch me. He won’t hit me and when we got to the ground he isn’t getting up. And that’s how it went down.
“I’m proud of myself, my coaches and the new addition I added with Nick Catone. Working with him one-on-one twice a week to sharpen my ground-and-pound was exactly what I needed to take my game to the next level.”
March 5, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Corey Anderson pins Tom Lawlor to the mat during UFC 196 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
During Anderson’s eight showings inside the Octagon, the Iron Army representative has shown a willingness to mix it up in all areas of the game. That said, the TUF winner has not only shown a more efficient striking attack, but an increase in the power of the shots he throws.
Anderson is adamant it all comes down to drilling technique, assures his numbers are going to climb in the finishing department in 2017.
“I’m going for the finish every time out now,” Anderson said. “I train the way I fight so I started putting more pop on my shots and that means doing that in the gym as well. My training partners are cool with it and the changes I made showed in this fight. My punches were felt and when we get to the ground you are going to carry my weight. That’s how it happened and it was just like we trained.”
While Anderson has carried the ‘Beastin’ 25/8’ moniker since his days competing on The Ultimate Fighter, the lead up to Fight Night 102 saw the light heavyweight tease a change of pace in the aftermath of his fight. True to his word, Anderson announced his new nickname would be ‘Overtime’ going forward, and it’s a fitting tag for the notorious gym rat and student of the game.
“Overtime is the new cage name,” Anderson said. “It’s the same concept as Beastin 25/8, but it’s easier to say and can be shortened down to OT. I answer to both names.
“It’s all business. Beastin 25/8 caught on and kicked off. People made fun of it and it hit the top of the worst nicknames in MMA and did everything I needed it to do to get their attention. Now it’s time to grow off it. The name is set. The brand is stuck and they can’t forget about it. Whether they are making fun of it or they love it; it’s stuck in their minds.
“It’s time to build my name and build my brand.”
March 5, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Corey Anderson is interviewed by Joe Rogan following his victory by decision against Tom Lawlor during UFC 196 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
While Anderson plans to take a family vacation in early 2017, he’s aiming to return to the Octagon in March or April. Finishing this year’s campaign on a high note has sparked a solid amount of momentum and confidence going into the new year, and he wants the light heavyweight division to know he’s going to make a run at the top.
“This division is still up for grabs,” Anderson said. “A lot of people are flip-flopping positions and there are some new kids coming in and making names for themselves and older guys weeding themselves out. I see myself climbing. The plan next year is to go the entire year without taking a loss. Next year is the mark of the beast.
“I’m coming for it all and I’m hungry. I’m more confident in my training than I’ve ever been. I’m working on the things I need to without over-exerting on the things I already do very well. I’m spending time on what I’m slacking on so that when I get in the cage I’m well-rounded and dangerous everywhere.
“I was watching the [Alexander] Gustafsson vs. [Daniel] Cormier highlights earlier today and Gustafsson was taking him down and Cormier was hitting him on the feet. I feel like I can hit and takedown both of them and feel the same way for anyone in my division. I’m going to keep the ball rolling in the new year and let the momentum keep climbing.”
Winning Season 19 of The Ultimate Fighter was one small in achievement in the grander scheme of things, and if there is anything to be known about Anderson outside the cage it’s that his mind never breaks from the big picture. Anderson never stops working and pushing toward the things he wants to achieve and is literally willing to fight for his future.
The 27-year-old has kept his overall game on constant evolution and adopted a mindset where no session is wasted inside the gym. This allows all bases to be covered and full confidence to be reached when it’s time to make the walk to the Octagon.
And if his second-round TKO over Sean O’Connell at Fight Night 102 is any proof, the newly minted ‘Overtime’ is ready for some big game in 2017.
“It felt great and like I told you the last time we talked I knew I had to go out there and make a statement,” Anderson said. “I couldn’t leave it in the hands of the judges anymore. I had to go out there and finish the fight and make him feel the pain I felt.
“That was the most comfortable and confident I’ve felt in a fight yet. The whole time I was in camp training for this fight I kept telling my coaches if we go out there and do what we’ve planned and worked for there was no way this guy was going to touch me. He won’t hit me and when we got to the ground he isn’t getting up. And that’s how it went down.
“I’m proud of myself, my coaches and the new addition I added with Nick Catone. Working with him one-on-one twice a week to sharpen my ground-and-pound was exactly what I needed to take my game to the next level.”
March 5, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Corey Anderson pins Tom Lawlor to the mat during UFC 196 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
During Anderson’s eight showings inside the Octagon, the Iron Army representative has shown a willingness to mix it up in all areas of the game. That said, the TUF winner has not only shown a more efficient striking attack, but an increase in the power of the shots he throws.
Anderson is adamant it all comes down to drilling technique, assures his numbers are going to climb in the finishing department in 2017.
“I’m going for the finish every time out now,” Anderson said. “I train the way I fight so I started putting more pop on my shots and that means doing that in the gym as well. My training partners are cool with it and the changes I made showed in this fight. My punches were felt and when we get to the ground you are going to carry my weight. That’s how it happened and it was just like we trained.”
While Anderson has carried the ‘Beastin’ 25/8’ moniker since his days competing on The Ultimate Fighter, the lead up to Fight Night 102 saw the light heavyweight tease a change of pace in the aftermath of his fight. True to his word, Anderson announced his new nickname would be ‘Overtime’ going forward, and it’s a fitting tag for the notorious gym rat and student of the game.
“Overtime is the new cage name,” Anderson said. “It’s the same concept as Beastin 25/8, but it’s easier to say and can be shortened down to OT. I answer to both names.
“It’s all business. Beastin 25/8 caught on and kicked off. People made fun of it and it hit the top of the worst nicknames in MMA and did everything I needed it to do to get their attention. Now it’s time to grow off it. The name is set. The brand is stuck and they can’t forget about it. Whether they are making fun of it or they love it; it’s stuck in their minds.
“It’s time to build my name and build my brand.”
March 5, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Corey Anderson is interviewed by Joe Rogan following his victory by decision against Tom Lawlor during UFC 196 at MGM Grand Garden Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
While Anderson plans to take a family vacation in early 2017, he’s aiming to return to the Octagon in March or April. Finishing this year’s campaign on a high note has sparked a solid amount of momentum and confidence going into the new year, and he wants the light heavyweight division to know he’s going to make a run at the top.
“This division is still up for grabs,” Anderson said. “A lot of people are flip-flopping positions and there are some new kids coming in and making names for themselves and older guys weeding themselves out. I see myself climbing. The plan next year is to go the entire year without taking a loss. Next year is the mark of the beast.
“I’m coming for it all and I’m hungry. I’m more confident in my training than I’ve ever been. I’m working on the things I need to without over-exerting on the things I already do very well. I’m spending time on what I’m slacking on so that when I get in the cage I’m well-rounded and dangerous everywhere.
“I was watching the [Alexander] Gustafsson vs. [Daniel] Cormier highlights earlier today and Gustafsson was taking him down and Cormier was hitting him on the feet. I feel like I can hit and takedown both of them and feel the same way for anyone in my division. I’m going to keep the ball rolling in the new year and let the momentum keep climbing.”