Bellator Belfast: Corey Anderson beats Karl Moore to become new light-heavyweight champion

Karl Moore's bid to become Ireland's first Bellator champion ended in heartbreak at the hands of American Corey Anderson in Belfast on Friday.

Anderson, 34, cruised to an unanimous points victory to claim Bellator's light-heavyweight title.

Moore's chances hinged on a stoppage victory but the local fighter was largely dominated over five rounds.

All three judges scored it for Anderson, who ended a near 11-year wait to win a world title in MMA.

Anderson joined Bellator in 2020 in search of world honours after six years in the UFC and in Belfast was competing in his second world title fight in the promotion.

The Illinois native has often shied away from the spotlight, but thousands of miles away from home he finally grasped the prize he has reached for since he turned pro in 2013.

Anderson did it relying on his strengths, wrestling and cardio, relentlessly and methodically crushing the fight out of Moore.