UFC's Hill, Bellator's Anderson clash over light heavyweight debate

Jamahal Hill. Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports

UFC's Jamahal Hill, Bellator's Corey Anderson clash over light heavyweight debate

By Marc Ray | Last updated 6/18/23

UFC’s Jamahal Hill and Bellator’s Corey Anderson engaged in a heated Twitter exchange on Saturday, sparked by a debate over which promotion possesses the best 205-pound division.

Initially, Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) claimed that he, along with Bellator champ Vadim Nemkov, could beat the top contenders in the UFC's light heavyweight division. In response, Hill took to YouTube to refute Anderson’s claim, sparking the online feud.

Ol Sweet Booty @JamahalH in his feelings! Talk about MMA math... didn't you get your arm snapped by Paul Craig? Sooo that'd make him the best.. I toasted the 44y/o guy you beat to win the belt on 2 weeks notice when he was ranked #3. Other than that who you beat? NOBODY!! https://t.co/puX4rwJA8a
— Corey 'Overtime' Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) June 17, 2023

Due to injury?! You got your arm SNAPPED by a dude who hasn't beaten a ranked guy yet. If we not the same, why is my name in yo mouth? Cuz as you noticed, yours ain't even on my mind. You keep talking bout what someone else did... YOU ain't them! And this ain't THEN! https://t.co/AqqfUXSgx3
— Corey 'Overtime' Anderson (@CoreyA_MMA) June 17, 2023

Hill (12-1) won his first UFC title in January, when he defeated Glover Teixeira by unanimous decision. Anderson, an ex-UFC fighter and two-time Bellator title challenger, picked up a split decision win over Phil Davis on Friday.

Despite the contrasting views and heated argument between Hill and Anderson, a cross-promotional fight between them is highly unlikely. UFC president Dana White has been resistant to the idea of the UFC engaging in any cross-promotional events.

The UFC has never held a joint event with other major MMA organizations, instead focusing on promoting its own fighters and events under its brand.

As Hill is expected to face former 205-pound champion Jiri Prochazka later this year, his debate with Anderson will be limited to online exchanges for now.

However, a potential MMA fight between the two light heavyweights may only materialize if they find themselves in the same organization down the line.

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