Bellator 288

Bellator 288: Nemkov vs. Anderson 2 was a mixed martial arts event produced by Bellator MMA that took place on November 18, 2022, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.^[1] The event was headlined by a rematch for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship between defending champion Vadim Nemkov and challenger Corey Anderson, serving as the conclusion to the 2021 Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix after their initial encounter ended in a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads.^[2][3] In the co-main event, Patricky "Pitbull" Freire defended his Bellator Lightweight Championship against undefeated Russian prospect Usman Nurmagomedov, who was making his promotional debut in a title bout.^[4] The card comprised 13 bouts, broadcast on Showtime for the main card and YouTube for the prelims, highlighting a mix of established veterans and rising talents in the sport.^[1] Nemkov retained his light heavyweight title via unanimous decision after five rounds, improving his record to 16-2 and solidifying his status as a dominant force in the division with his eighth consecutive Bellator victory.^[5] In the co-main, Nurmagomedov claimed the lightweight crown with a unanimous decision win over Freire, extending his unbeaten streak to 16-0 and winning a major MMA world title as a member of the renowned Nurmagomedov family.^[5] Other notable results included Timur Khizriev's unanimous decision victory over Daniel Weichel in a featherweight clash, and a no contest between Tyrell Fortune and Daniel James in the heavyweight division after an initial TKO win for James was overturned due to his positive test for a banned substance.^[1] Bellator 288 underscored the promotion's emphasis on high-stakes title fights and international talent, drawing significant attention for its championship implications and the ongoing narrative of family legacies in MMA, particularly with Nurmagomedov's triumph.^[4] The event's outcomes reshaped the light heavyweight and lightweight landscapes, setting the stage for future defenses and rivalries within Bellator's roster.^[6]

Event Details

Date and Venue

Bellator 288 took place on November 18, 2022, at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, United States.^[1] The event was the 288th in the promotion's numbered series and featured a full card of mixed martial arts bouts in a multi-purpose indoor arena setting. The Wintrust Arena, located adjacent to the McCormick Place convention center, serves as the home venue for DePaul University's basketball teams and hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events. It has a seating capacity of 10,387, providing ample space for MMA crowds while incorporating 22 luxury suites and extensive floor-level configurations.^[7] Opened in 2018 as part of the McCormick Square development, the arena's design emphasizes modern amenities and accessibility via public transit in Chicago's Near South Side neighborhood.^[8] Held in the Central Time zone, the event's timing aligned with prime broadcast windows, with prelims starting at 5:00 p.m. CT and the main card at 8:00 p.m. CT to accommodate national audiences.^[9] This logistical setup ensured seamless integration with Showtime's programming schedule for live coverage.

Promotion and Broadcast

Bellator 288 was promoted by Bellator MMA as the 288th installment in the promotion's numbered event series.^[1] Held at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois, the event represented one of the final major cards organized independently by Bellator before its acquisition and full integration with the Professional Fighters League in November 2023.^[10] The main card aired live on Showtime in the United States, starting at 9:00 p.m. ET, providing coverage of the light heavyweight title defense and lightweight championship bout.^[11] Preliminary bouts were streamed for free on the official Bellator MMA YouTube channel beginning at 6:00 p.m. ET, allowing global audiences access to the undercard fights.^[11] Production for the broadcast featured veteran play-by-play announcer Mauro Ranallo alongside color commentator and former referee "Big" John McCarthy, who provided analysis throughout the event.^[1] Michael C. Williams served as the ring announcer.^[1] Weigh-ins for Bellator 288 took place on November 17, 2022, with all 26 fighters successfully making their contracted weight classes and no forfeits or incidents reported.^[12] Notable results included light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov at 203.8 pounds and challenger Corey Anderson at 204.2 pounds, as well as lightweight title contenders Patricky Freire at 154 pounds and Usman Nurmagomedov at 154.8 pounds.^[12]

Background

Light Heavyweight Grand Prix Context

The 2021 Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix was an eight-fighter single-elimination tournament designed to determine the division's top contender while offering a $1 million bonus to the winner, alongside the opportunity to claim the promotion's light heavyweight championship.^[13] Announced by Bellator president Scott Coker in February 2021 during a press conference unveiling the promotion's move to Showtime, the event aimed to showcase elite talent in the 205-pound division, including former UFC stars and Bellator champions.^[14] The tournament structure featured quarterfinal bouts spread across multiple events, with semifinals following later in the year, building toward a high-stakes final that elevated the light heavyweight landscape.^[15] The path to the Bellator 288 final highlighted the resilience and skill of both finalists. Defending champion Vadim Nemkov advanced by defeating Phil Davis via unanimous decision in the quarterfinals at Bellator 257 on April 16, 2021, showcasing dominant wrestling and striking over five rounds.^[16] In the semifinals at Bellator 268 on October 16, 2021, Nemkov submitted Julius Anglickas via kimura in the fourth round after Anthony "Rumble" Johnson's withdrawal due to illness, solidifying his undefeated streak in Bellator at that point.^[17] Meanwhile, challenger Corey Anderson opened with a third-round TKO of Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov at the same Bellator 257 event, using ground-and-pound to overwhelm his opponent.^[18] Anderson then upset former champion Ryan Bader in the semifinals at Bellator 268, securing a first-round TKO via doctor stoppage after opening a severe cut.^[19] The matchup at Bellator 288 served as a rematch from their encounter at Bellator 277 on April 15, 2022, which was ruled a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads that caused a cut to Nemkov. With Nemkov entering as the reigning champion, the winner stood to retain the light heavyweight title, secure the Grand Prix crown, and pocket the $1 million prize, making it one of Bellator's most lucrative showdowns.^[20] The tournament, which began its quarterfinal stage in April 2021 amid scheduling adjustments from COVID-19 protocols and fighter withdrawals, reached its culmination on November 18, 2022, at Chicago's Wintrust Arena.^[13] This final also served as the main event, with the co-main featuring a lightweight title defense.

Lightweight Title Challenge Build-Up

Patricky "Pitbull" Freire won the vacant Bellator lightweight title in November 2021 against Peter Queally at Bellator 270, avenging an earlier defeat from 2020 with a third-round TKO and entering Bellator 288 with a 1-0 championship record.^[21] Usman Nurmagomedov, the undefeated cousin of former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, entered the bout with a 15-0 professional record, having joined Bellator in 2021 and gone 7-0 in the promotion by late 2022.^[22] As the ranked No. 1 contender in the lightweight division, Nurmagomedov earned his title opportunity through a series of dominant submission victories in 2022, including a second-round arm-triangle choke over Brennan Ward at Bellator 277 in April and a second-round rear-naked choke against Sidney Outlaw at Bellator 282 in June. These performances, combined with a first-round guillotine submission of Chris Gonzalez at Bellator 283 in July, showcased his elite grappling pedigree rooted in Dagestani sambo traditions. The matchup pitted Pitbull's seasoned striking and resilience—honed over 16 years as a professional—against Nurmagomedov's suffocating ground control and finishing ability, representing Pitbull's first defense against a premier grappler since his wars with Chandler.^[23] Nurmagomedov aimed to extend the Nurmagomedov family legacy by becoming the first Dagestani-born Bellator champion, declaring his intent to etch his name in history while dismissing doubters about his rapid ascent.^[24] Pitbull, however, questioned the merit of Nurmagomedov's shot, arguing that more established contenders like Benson Henderson deserved priority and emphasizing his own experience: "Who has Usman fought to deserve the title?"^[23] The stakes extended beyond the belt, highlighting a generational clash where Nurmagomedov's youth and grappling prowess challenged Pitbull's veteran status and the division's hierarchy.

Fight Card

Main Card Bouts

The main card of Bellator 288 showcased a series of high-stakes matchups, headlining the culmination of the light heavyweight Grand Prix with champion Vadim Nemkov defending his title against top contender Corey Anderson in a rematch. Nemkov, entering with a record of 15-2, brought his elite wrestling background and technical striking to counter Anderson's aggressive power punching and grappling pressure, as Anderson aimed for redemption following their prior encounter.^[2] The bout was scheduled for five five-minute rounds at 205 pounds under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.^[1] In the co-main event, lightweight champion Patricky "Pitbull" Freire put his belt on the line against undefeated challenger Usman Nurmagomedov, pitting Pitbull's seasoned boxing and knockout power—entering at 24-10—against Nurmagomedov's (15-0) dynamic grappling and submission expertise rooted in his Dagestani wrestling heritage.^[25][26] This title fight also spanned five rounds at 155 pounds under Unified Rules.^[1] The featherweight opener on the main card featured unbeaten prospect Timur Khizriev (11-0), known for his relentless pressure and ground control, facing veteran Daniel Weichel (42-13), a durable striker with extensive experience in high-level bouts.^[27] Scheduled for three five-minute rounds at 145 pounds under Unified Rules, the matchup highlighted Khizriev's rising momentum against Weichel's battle-tested resilience.^[1] Further down the card, heavyweight contenders Tyrell Fortune (12-2), a wrestling standout with Olympic pedigree, clashed with knockout artist Daniel James (13-6-1), testing Fortune's takedown defense against James's explosive striking power in a three-round bout at 265 pounds under Unified Rules.^[28][1] Rounding out the main card was a welterweight showdown between undefeated knockout specialist Roman Faraldo (8-0) and Georgian finisher Levan Chokheli (12-2), contrasting Faraldo's aggressive forward pressure and one-punch power with Chokheli's versatile striking and resilience in a three-round fight at 170 pounds under Unified Rules.^[29][30][1]

Preliminary Card Bouts

The preliminary card of Bellator 288 consisted of eight non-title bouts scheduled for three five-minute rounds each, spanning multiple weight divisions and highlighting emerging prospects alongside seasoned competitors in developmental matchups. These fights provided opportunities for up-and-coming fighters to gain experience against reliable opponents, setting the stage for the event's higher-profile contests. All bouts adhered to standard weight limits, such as 265 pounds for heavyweight and 155 pounds for lightweight, with no reported last-minute changes or cancellations due to injuries.^[1] Key preliminary matchups included:

• Heavyweight: Vladimir Gouvea vs. Kory Moegenburg
  Gouvea, a Brazilian heavyweight making his professional debut, faced Moegenburg (2-4 record), a fighter seeking to rebound from recent setbacks with his wrestling background. This opener pitted raw potential against veteran durability.^[1]
• Featherweight: Isaiah Hokit (2-1) vs. Matias Nader (3-1)
  Hokit, a former collegiate wrestler transitioning to MMA, tested his grappling against Nader, an undefeated Argentinian striker known for his aggressive style in regional promotions.^[1]
• Featherweight: Laird Anderson vs. Rob Fenicle (2-3)
  Anderson, an undefeated newcomer with a knockout-heavy amateur background, met Fenicle, a durable veteran relying on volume striking to extend his career.^[1]
• Middleweight: Jordan Newman vs. Jayden Taulker
  Both fighters entered with limited professional experience, representing fresh talent in the division; Newman brought submission expertise from his grappling base.^[1]
• Light Heavyweight: Sullivan Cauley vs. Jay Radick (3-1)
  Cauley, a towering prospect with knockout power, clashed with Radick, a well-rounded athlete emphasizing cardio and takedown defense.^[1]
• Lightweight: Archie Colgan (5-0) vs. Jesse Hannam (2-1)
  Undefeated Colgan, a wrestling standout from Oklahoma, faced Hannam, a Canadian finisher noted for his early aggression in shorter fights.^[1][31]
• Lightweight: Killys Mota (14-3) vs. Jairo Pacheco (7-1)
  Mota, a Brazilian veteran with a striking pedigree from multiple promotions, opposed undefeated Pacheco, a rising talent blending Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.^[1]
• Middleweight: Imamshafi Aliev (8-0) vs. Sean Connor Fallon (16-8)
  Undefeated Russian prospect Aliev, known for his technical striking, took on Fallon, an Irish veteran with extensive experience and a focus on ground control.^[1][31]

Results

Championship Fight Outcomes

In the main event, Bellator light heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov defended his title and won the 2022 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix by defeating challenger Corey Anderson via unanimous decision after five rounds, with judges scoring the bout 48-47, 49-46, and 49-46.^[20] Nemkov controlled the fight with effective striking and grappling defense, landing jabs and leg kicks to hobble Anderson while denying all 15 of Anderson's takedown attempts.^[32] In round one, Nemkov dropped Anderson with a wheel kick early and stuffed a takedown; rounds two and three saw Nemkov dominate with power punches, jabs to the body, and a cut opened on Anderson; round four featured clinch work and continued leg kicks; and in round five, Nemkov maintained distance with triple jabs as Anderson limped from accumulated damage.^[33] Each round was scored 10-9 for Nemkov under standard judging criteria emphasizing effective striking and control, leading to the lopsided totals. Post-fight statistics highlighted Nemkov's striking accuracy and defensive prowess, with significant strikes landed outpacing Anderson's output despite the latter's volume attempts.^[27] The co-main event saw undefeated prospect Usman Nurmagomedov capture the Bellator lightweight title by dominating champion Patricky "Pitbull" Freire via unanimous decision, scored 50-45, 50-44, and 50-44 across five rounds.^[34] Nurmagomedov showcased superior grappling and distance management, securing multiple takedowns and maintaining ground control to neutralize Pitbull's striking power.^[35] Round one featured Nurmagomedov's leg kicks setting the pace; in round two, he executed a clean takedown and delivered ground-and-pound; rounds three and four involved jabs, kicks, and frustration for Pitbull with minimal counters; and round five ended with another takedown, an elbow cut, and dominant mount position.^[33] All five rounds earned 10-9 scores for Nurmagomedov based on effective grappling and octagon control, resulting in the wide margins. Fight metrics underscored Nurmagomedov's grappling edge, including successful takedowns and extended top control time, while limiting Pitbull to sporadic strikes.^[36]

Non-Championship Fight Outcomes

The non-championship bouts at Bellator 288 featured a mix of finishes and decisions across the main and preliminary cards, showcasing emerging talents and veteran performances in divisions including featherweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, and heavyweight. Of the 11 non-title fights, nine ended in stoppages or submissions, with two going the full three rounds to unanimous decisions, highlighting a card dominated by early terminations rather than prolonged battles.^[1][4] In a standout featherweight opener on the main card, undefeated prospect Timur Khizriev (12-0) outworked veteran Daniel Weichel (42-14) over three rounds, utilizing a blend of striking volume and grappling control to secure a unanimous decision victory (29-28, 30-27, 30-27). Khizriev's relentless pressure and activity left Weichel visibly marked, marking the Russian's successful Bellator debut and positioning him as a contender in the division.^[4][37] The heavyweight bout between Tyrell Fortune (14-3) and Daniel James (15-3 at the time) was initially ruled a second-round TKO win for James via elbows at 0:27 but was later overturned to a no contest following James' failed post-fight drug test for an anabolic steroid. This ruling, announced in November 2023, nullified James' victory and resulted in a 3-month suspension for the fighter.^[38][39] Other notable main card results included Georgian welterweight Levan Chokheli (11-2) defeating Roman Faraldo (8-2) via unanimous decision (29-27 x3), where Chokheli controlled the grappling exchanges to rebound from a prior loss. On the preliminary card, middleweight Imamshafi Aliev (9-0) earned a first-round TKO (doctor stoppage due to a cut) against Sean Fallon (6-1) at 3:20, while lightweight Killys Mota (14-2) dominated Jairo Pacheco (12-3) for a unanimous decision (30-27 x3) through superior striking and pace.^[32][9] The prelims saw several quick finishes, underscoring the card's aggressive style: lightweight Archie Colgan (5-0) stopped Jesse Hannam (7-3) via TKO (ground-and-pound) at 0:50 of the first round; light heavyweight Sullivan Cauley (5-0) knocked out Jay Radick (5-2) with punches at 1:01 of Round 1; middleweight Jordan Newman (4-0) submitted Jayden Taulker (1-1) with a rear-naked choke at 3:20 of Round 2; featherweight Laird Anderson (5-1) secured a TKO (punches from crucifix) over Rob Fenicle (7-2) at 2:28 of Round 2; featherweight Isaiah Hokit (3-1) finished Matias Nader (4-1) via TKO (punches and elbows) at 3:48 of Round 2; and heavyweight Wladimir Gouvea (10-2) TKO'd Kory Moegenburg (3-1) with punches at 1:46 of Round 2. These outcomes contributed to a total of seven TKOs, one submission, one doctor stoppage, and two decisions among the non-title fights, with all stoppages occurring before the second-round mark in most cases.^{[33][1] [4]}

Aftermath

Title and Division Impacts

In the light heavyweight division, Vadim Nemkov's unanimous decision victory over Corey Anderson at Bellator 288 not only retained his championship but also secured the 2022 Light Heavyweight Grand Prix title, earning him a $1 million prize.^[20] This outcome solidified Nemkov's position as the division's dominant force, extending his undefeated streak in Bellator to eight fights while diminishing Anderson's immediate prospects for another title opportunity, as the loss marked his second defeat to Nemkov in under two years.^[40] The co-main event saw Usman Nurmagomedov capture the lightweight title with a unanimous decision over Patricky "Pitbull" Freire, ending Freire's second reign that had begun in 2021 and marking Nurmagomedov's first championship in the promotion.^[34] This win elevated the undefeated Russian to the pinnacle of the 155-pound class, positioning him as its top contender and causing Freire to drop in status despite remaining a key figure.^[40] Post-event official rankings reflected these shifts. In light heavyweight, Nemkov remained champion, with Corey Anderson holding at No. 1, followed by Phil Davis at No. 2, Ryan Bader at No. 3, and Yoel Romero at No. 4.^[40] For lightweight, Nurmagomedov ascended to champion, with Patricky Pitbull at No. 1, Tofiq Musayev at No. 2, Benson Henderson at No. 3, and Alexander Shabliy at No. 4.^[40] Looking ahead, Nemkov's continued dominance paved the way for subsequent title defenses, including against Romero in June 2023, before his eventual transition to heavyweight competition in PFL following the 2023 acquisition of Bellator by PFL. Meanwhile, Nurmagomedov's title reign began with a defense against Brent Primus at Bellator 300 in October 2023, which was later overturned to a no contest in November 2023 after Nurmagomedov tested positive for a banned substance; this established a path of high-profile bouts that affirmed his status as a leading lightweight talent under the PFL banner as of 2025.^[41]

Notable Incidents and Cancellations

Several bouts scheduled for Bellator 288 were canceled prior to the event. The bantamweight matchup between Jaylon Bates and Jornel Lugo was scrapped after Bates withdrew for undisclosed reasons, with neither fighter attempting to weigh in.^[42][43] Additionally, Akhmed Magomedov withdrew from his featherweight bout against Daniel Weichel, leading to a replacement opponent in Timur Khizriev.^[1] Weigh-in complications further disrupted the preliminary card. Khasan Askhabov failed to weigh in for his featherweight fight against Otto Rodrigues, resulting in the bout being scratched from the event.^[1] All main card fighters, including title challengers Vadim Nemkov, Corey Anderson, Patricky Pitbull, and Usman Nurmagomedov, successfully made weight without incident.^[42] A significant post-event development involved a failed drug test by heavyweight Daniel James. James' unanimous decision victory over Tyrell Fortune was overturned to a no contest in November 2023 after he tested positive for an anabolic steroid in a post-fight sample collected under Bellator's anti-doping program, which was administered in partnership with the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) for select events.^[38] The event also saw controversy surrounding medical care for fighters. After losing the lightweight title to Usman Nurmagomedov, Patricky Pitbull sustained a significant cut above his eyebrow but waited over five hours for stitches due to the absence of an onsite doctor from the Illinois Athletic Commission, forcing him to seek treatment at a hospital.^[44] Patricio Pitbull publicly criticized Bellator and the commission for the delay, noting it was not the first such occurrence and calling for improved medical protocols at events.^[45]