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#2 Light Heavyweight (205 lbs): Corey Anderson vs. Ilir Latifi
Round 1: Both men began by bouncing around as Anderson went for an overhead kick. The cautious start didn't last long as Latifi missed a wild combo. Latifi kept chipping away with repeated calf kicks, one of which almost put Anderson off balance and onto the mat. Anderson deployed a kick-heavy game plan too as he connected with a host of body kicks.
He went for a flying knee but Latifi moved away and both men sprawled for a bit before getting back to their feet. Anderson was the aggressor throughout the round as he pushed for a single leg takedown. Latifi briefly stunned Anderson with the left.
Anderson wobbled for a second before countering with a left hook. Latifi landed another low kick on Anderson but got a right hand in response. The two traded shots on the fence and got into the clinch before the round came to a close.
10-9 Latifi
Round 2: Anderson came in hard with a body kick and short left to which Latifi responded with a low kick. Both men tried to take each other down but were unsuccessful in doing so. Latifi connected with a solid left that forced Anderson back as he composed himself and got in the leg kicks. Anderson looked smooth and had a greater volume of strikes.
Over a minute to go and Latifi seemed to have gotten Anderson where he wanted with a combo. Anderson came back with a combo of his own. Anderson was more technical in his striking as he baited Latifi with his fakes and landed the jabs and strong left and right hooks.
10-9 Anderson
Round 3: Anderson came out to continue the dominance he imposed in round 2 with the a head kick attempt followed by a kick to the body. Anderson kept pressing forward but ate a few shots on the break while his hands were down.
Anderson went for a jumping knee and got in a right cross as Latifi attempted a wheel kick.
Anderson didn't replicate volume in the first few minutes of the third but exerted his technical superiority as he continuously landed the straights and the jabs. Anderson went for the head kick but it was blocked by Latifi. It should be noted that Anderson has shown tremendous improvement in the durability of his chin.
The round ended with Anderson connecting with a 3-2 and a combo to Latifi's body strike attempt.
10-9 Anderson
Final Result: Anderson def. Latifi via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
An impressive win for 'Overtime' who is now on a three-fight win streak and on course for a future Light Heavyweight title shot. Anderson counteracted the explosiveness of Latifi really well and fought a smart fight to eke out a decision win. A good solid performance overall.
