Slated for a showdown at the SAP Center in San Jose, Bellator 277 will feature two spectacular fights at the top of the card. In what is penciled in as the last event of the evening and the co-main event, Bellator Featherweight Champion A.J. McKee has a rematch with Patrício Pitbull. Prior to that in the other co-main event, Bellator Light Heavyweight champion Vadim Nemkov will clash with Corey Anderson for the Light Heavyweight crown.
Below, SBS takes a closer look at each fighter, their tale of the tape and also who will be victorious in each bout.
| Bellator 276 | The Pick |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McKee (c) vs. Pitbull | McKee | -315 | -315 | -315 |
| Nemkov (c) vs. Anderson | Anderson | +150 | +150 | +150 |
What to look for from: A. J. McKee
The No. 1 ranked competitor in the Bellator pound-for-pound men’s rankings, McKee is as tough as they come in the company. Boasting an 18-0 record in Bellator competitions since 2015, the Mercenary is coming off a win over Pitbull at Bellator 263. In that battle, McKee won the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix, and in the process, won the Bellator Featherweight World Championship with a guillotine choke submission. A balanced fighter, McKee has won his fights in a variety of ways – knockouts (six), submissions (seven) and of course by decision (five). However, only one of his last five fights have made it to the decision phase (Pat Curran at Bellator 221) with three of the last four ending in the first round.
What to look for from: Patrício Pitbull
A former two-time Bellator Featherweight Champion and one-time Lightweight champion, Pitbull is looking for redemption in this bout against McKee. The second-ever simultaneous two-weight champion in Bellator history, Pitbull currently boasts a career record of 32-5 with the majority of his victories (12) coming by way of submission. Prior to his loss against McKee at Bellator 263, the 34-year old was riding a seven-fight win streak and had reached the final round of the Featherweight World Grand Prix. Perhaps the greatest fighter in the history of the Bellator Featherweight division (he has the most career wins at 19), Pitbull has certainly earned all of his accolades and then some.
Prediction: Another action-packed battle, McKee vs. Pitbull will certainly live up to its main event billing. A close contest on paper, look for McKee to once again pull away from his rival in this rematch.
What to look for from: Vadim Nemkov
The protégé of former Pride Fighting Championships Heavyweight champion Fedor Emelianenko (and arguably one of the greatest MMA fighters of all-time), Nemkov is a monster in the light heavyweight division. Currently riding a nine-fight winning streak, including an undefeated mark of 7-0 in Bellator competitions, the 29-year old is a sambo machine. The current Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion, he has defended his crown twice, including a unanimous decision victory over Phil Davis at Bellator 257. The No. 2 fighter in the men’s Bellator pound-for-pound rankings, Nemkov is one of the most powerful fighters in the company.
What to look for from: Corey Anderson
In the opposite corner from the Russian, stands former UFC standout Corey Anderson. The 32-year old is coming off a TKO win over Ryan Bader in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinals at Bellator 268. His prize for winning this match? A shot at the Light Heavyweight Champion, Nemkov. The winner of the The Ultimate Fighter 19 Light Heavyweight Tournament, Anderson is on a three-fight streak and currently holds an undefeated mark in Bellator as well. Competing for a $1 million prize along with the Light Heavyweight title, Anderson certainly does not need more motivation to take down Nemkov.
Prediction: This will be a great bout, but look for Anderson to pull off the upset here. In terms of similar competition, they both faced Bader recently with the UFC veteran Anderson pulling off the more impressive victory over the McQueen High School graduate (TKO in the first round vs. the second).
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About the Author
As a devout aficionado of sports, Chris Boline has carved a career within the athletic realm. A skilled scribe, he boasts a decade-long portfolio that encompasses coverage of the NBA G League, the Los Angeles Chargers, football and basketball across the country. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chris is deeply invested in his community and dedicates his leisure hours to serving on boards, collaborating with community organizations, and cherishing the company of loved ones. CURRENTLY Business Development and freelance sports writing RESIDES IN Reno, NV EDUCATION University of Nevada BS and MBA EXPERTISE -Sports writing proficiency in: NFL, NBA, UFC, boxing, golf, and some motor sports -Topical news -Promotional and marketing ideas/updates -Business development Summary Chris Boline serves in a business development sales capacity as his day job. He has previously held sales/marketing positions with The Applied Companies (TAC), KTVN 2 News and the NBA G League’s Reno Bighorns, affiliate of the Sacramento Kings. He is a Reno native and is a member of various community boards including the Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, NCET and the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA). Chris graduated from the University of Nevada in 2015 with a bachelors in management and economics and also earned his MBA from Nevada in 2023. More about Chris: Past president of the College of Business Alumni Association (COBAA) 2022-23 Two-time honoree for University of Nevada Alumni Chapter of the Year (Nevada Sagebrush Alumni Chapter, 2017 & COBAA, 2021) 2021 NCET award for Professional Services Organization of the Year with TAC Northern Nevada Human Resources Association 2020 Best Places to Work-Northern Nevada, Second Place with TAC 2016-17 Reno Bighorns MVP from the Sacramento Kings The Nevada Sagebrush editor-in-chief 2013-15 Associated Collegiate Press 2015 Four-year Non-daily Newspaper Pacemaker honoree University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Dean's List honoree (5x) from 2011-2015 Nevada Press Association award for Best Sports Column – Community in 2015 Education
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