Corey Anderson smothers, overwhelms with pressure en route to PFL Light Heavyweight World Title Fight win

Corey Anderson was a highly-regarded collegiate wrestler before becoming one of the top light heavyweight stars in MMA over the past decade or so. Anderson, who has only lost once in the past five years, has scored victories over multiple former World Champions in the sport, including Jan Blachowicz, Ryan Bader, Glover Teixeira, Phil Davis, Denis Goltsov, and Sean O’Connell. Anderson’s title reign began in March 2024, when he defeated Karl Moore for the then-vacant title in Belfast.

Dovlet Yagshimuradov has a Sambo background, finding success there before becoming a champion on the regional MMA circuit. That has translated into success in MMA, which included a 3-2 record in Bellator before moving on to the PFL. Last year, Yagshimuradov defeated Jakob Nedoh, Simon Biyong, Rob Wilkinson, and Impa Kasanganay to become the 2024 PFL light Heavyweight World Champion, earning his shot at Anderson tonight.

Anderson finished Yagshimuradov in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix in 2021. Now, in this rematch, who walks out of Dubai the PFL Light Heavyweight World Champion in our co-main event?

Round 1

The two circle in the center of the SmartCage. Low kick from Yagshimuradov. Low kick from Anderson. Left hands by Anderson. Right hand by Yagshimuradov. Anderson with a right hand. One-two by Yagshimuradov. The two exchange, with Yagshimuradov landing hooks. Uppercut and a hook from Yagshimuradov. Another strong uppercut and hook from Yagshimuradov. Left hand from Yagshimuradov. Anderson shoots in and presses Yagshimuradov into the fence. Yagshimuradov breaks away from the clinch. Left hand by Yagshimuradov, but it appears to have been an eye poke.

The fight resumes with a little less than three minutes left in the round. Anderson claims he got poked in the eye again. Yagshimuradov doesn’t buy it, but the referee calls time. A brief stoppage, but then we’re back to it. Small flurry from Yagshimuradov. Anderson with a right hand. A couple of left hands by Anderson. Right hand by Yagshimuradov, and it’s bothering Anderson! Yagshimuradov is swinging away! Anderson with a takedown attempt, but Yagshimuradov stops it. Anderson pressing Yagshimuradov against the fence now. Right hand by Anderson before another takedown attempt. Anderson scores the takedown. Anderson appears to be working his way to the back. Right hands from Anderson. A couple of knees to the body by Anderson.

Round 2

Yagshimuradov appeared to be clipped early, and Anderson presses Yagshimuradov into the fence. Knee to the body by Anderson. Some inside exchanges near the fence. A knee to the body by Anderson. Low kick by Anderson. Right hand lands for Anderson. Left hook lands for Yagshimuradov. Left hand by Anderson, but his takedown attempt is unsuccessful. Hooks by both men. Left jab by Anderson. Right hand lands for Anderson. Anderson pressures again, but Yagshimuradov works his way out of the clinch. Left hook by Anderson. Right hand lands for Anderson.

Anderson shoots in, but Yagshimuradov sprawls. He lands a knee, but Anderson is back up with Yagshimuradov’s back against the fence. A separation now. Right uppercut by Yagshimuradov. Anderson tries to keep the action close to limit Yagshimuradov’s striking. Anderson continues to press forward, seemingly trying to take advantage of a tired Yagshimuradov. Anderson goes in, but Yagshimuradov sprawls and counters again. Yagshimuradov is back to his feet and separates with about 20 seconds left. One-two by Yagshimuradov. Another exchange.

Round 3

Low kick by Yagshimuradov. Low kick by Anderson. Yagshimuradov responds with another. Body shot by Anderson. Left hand by Anderson. Front kick and a right hand by Anderson. Round kick by Anderson that apparently lands low. Body shot by Yagshimuradov on the fight resuming. Right hand by Anderson. Right hand by Anderson again, and Yagshimuradov tries to counter. Left hand by Anderson. Anderson trying to come forward as Yagshimuradov works the left jab. Both men land combinations. Right hand by Anderson. Yagshimuradov misses a right and gets hit by a one-two.

Both men land straights and hooks as Anderson presses Yagshimuradov near the fence. Hooks from both men. Low kick by Anderson. Left hand by Yagshimuradov. Left hand by Anderson. Left hand by Yagshimuradov. Left hook by Anderson. Uppercut by Yagshimuradov. Combination lands for Anderson, who then holds Yagshimuradov back. Yagshimuradov lands a couple of elbows. Strong right hand by Yagshimuradov. Left hand by Anderson counters a right from Yagshimuradov. Left hands from Yagshimuradov. High kick from Anderson is blocked.

Corey Anderson and Dovlet Yagshimuradov refuse to give up. Who will take this one?#RoadToDubai | LIVE NOW | Streaming on the ESPN App pic.twitter.com/ylkkFTYKOX

— PFL (@PFLMMA) October 3, 2025

Round 4

Anderson connects with the left hand. More left hands from Yagshimuradov. The two continue to trade straights. Right hand lands for Yagshimuradov. Combination from Anderson. Anderson shoots in for a takedown and gets it near the fence. Anderson connects on small right hands to the head in this tight position. Yagshimuradov tries to get away but gives up his back. Anderson connects with several shots from up top.

Yagshimuradov is working his way away from the fence, but Anderson is smothering him with top pressure. Anderson transitions into the full mount, landing ground-and-pound on a troubled Yagshimuradov. Anderson continues his pressure. Yagshimuradov tries to sneak out the back door, but Anderson’s hold on him remains. Anderson continues to pour punches on. Yagshimuradov escapes the full mount, but he’s still being smothered by Anderson. Yagshimuradov is trying to get some good positioning while against the fence, but that’s impossible with such a talented wrestler on him. Anderson lands right hands. Anderson’s hold on him and punching continues until the end of the round.

Round 5

Slow pace to start as the two work jabs. Anderson lands a right hand. Left jab by Anderson. Spinning back kick by Yagshimuradov doesn’t connect, and Anderson nearly gets a hold of him. Anderson works the jab, trying to pressure Yagshimuradov back to the fence. Body lock, and they’re back there. Right hand by Anderson. Anderson with an easy takedown. Anderson is easily pressuring Yagshimuradov, smothering him with pressure.

Anderson lands some left hands as he smothers Yagshimuradov, with Yagshimuradov sitting against the fence. Anderson landing punches upstairs. Anderson threatens a choke as there are about two minutes remaining. Anderson goes back to striking. Yagshimuradov seems to have no answer and is gassed out with 90 seconds left. Anderson with elbows, climbing his way into another full mount. Right hands from Anderson, as well as elbows, with 45 seconds left in the fight. Yagshimuradov hanging out but offering no fight en route to the final bell. Anderson continues to pour on pressure. Knee to the midsection by Anderson. Anderson goes for a guillotine, but Yagshimuradov reverses. It’s not enough, however, as the bell sounds, and it’s another world title fight victory for “Overtime.”

OFFICIAL RESULT

Corey Anderson defeats Dovlet Yagshimuradov by unanimous decision (49-45x2, 48-47) to win the PFL Light Heavyweight World Title.