Corey Anderson pummels Manhoef in Bellator debut

Corey Anderson is 1-0 as a Bellator fighter.

The former UFC light heavyweight contender defeated Melvin Manhoef via second-round TKO in the Bellator 251 main event Thursday night at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Anderson took down Manhoef less than a minute into the second round, which marked the beginning of the end. From there, he established a dominant position and Manhoef struggled to return to his feet.

A minute later, Anderson postured up and began raining down vicious elbows, splitting Manhoef open with one of the strikes. Manhoef covered up and the referee called off the bout at 2:34.

"It went just like we planned," Anderson said in his postfight interview.

Anderson, best known for his wrestling skills, dominated the contest from start to finish. He got Manhoef to the mat twice in the opening round and badly outstruck his opponent. Anderson benefited from an 8-inch reach advantage and a 7-inch height advantage, which allowed him to bully Manhoef on the ground.

With the victory, Anderson bounces back from a February knockout loss to current UFC champion Jan Blachowicz. He was granted his release from the UFC and signed with Bellator in August.

After stopping Manhoef, Anderson said he wants a title shot. The Bellator light heavyweight belt is currently held by Vadim Nemkov, who doesn't have his next fight booked.

"I should be fighting whoever will give me the title," Anderson said. "Either Vadim Nemkov or Phil Davis, whoever's fighting for the title, I want the winner. I'm ready. Let's go."

"Overtime" is now 5-1 in his past six bouts, which also includes wins over Glover Teixeira, Ilir Latifi, and Johnny Walker.

Manhoef, 44, saw his two-fight winning streak come to an end.