Corey Anderson out-grinds Phil Davis in a heavy grappling affair at Bellator 297

Bellator 297 would see the clash of two of the best light heavyweights the company has ever had, as former lightweight champion Phil Davis took on Corey Anderson, a potential world champion in the future. The two men collided in what some believe may be the fight that determines the next number one contender for Vadim Nemekov and his Bellator light heavyweight championship.

Davis, in his 15th Bellator fight of his career, had a tough first round against Anderson. Anderson, a high-volume wrestler, was able to push the pace in the first round and make Davis work. Despite Davis' length, he was unable to keep Anderson off of him for very long. That said, he was far more active in the first than he was in the second, and may have even won the round.

The second round was far more Anderson's than it was Davis', and Anderson just out-paced him. The cardio of Anderson got the best of Davis in the second, possibly giving Anderson the edge.

The third round, however, was less action pack, with both men choosing to mostly throw hands. And while it wasn't a huge round for either man, the judges game the win to Anderson in a split decesion.

Corey Anderson should be next in line for the Bellator light heavyweight title

Anderson was able to out-wrestle Davis, and with Davis being the No. 2 guy in the light heavyweight rankings, it makes sense that Anderson should now be next in line for Nemkov. Anderson and Nemkov have already fought twice; a no-contest and a second fight that saw Nemkov beat Anderson.