Karl Moore and the Pursuit of Glory

Karl Moore’s moment of truth is finally at hand. The four-time Bellator MMA veteran will face a massive threat in Corey Anderson for the vacant light heavyweight championship belt in the Bellator 302 main event on Friday at the SSE Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Moore, a Belfast native, figures to benefit from the strong support of the local crowd and plans to proudly represent his home turf.

“All of Ireland, the north, the south, every area,” he said. “I represent every single person in Ireland, 100%.”

The last time he fought in Northern Ireland, Moore scored a submission win over France’s Cyril Asker, but that was 11 years ago. The stakes could not be higher in his return. Anderson presents a significant challenge, having scored wins over world-class fighters such as Jan Blachowicz, Glover Teixeira, Ryan Bader and Phil Davis. Being tapped to fight for the vacant belt at this moment was a bit unexpected, but Moore has never been one to look a gift horse in the mouth.

“I was surprised I got the title fight after my last fight in Chicago,” he said. “I thought I might have to have one more fight to get the title fight, but they offered the battle against Corey to me. I didn’t say no. It was a surprise, but I’m not going to turn that down. I’m not going to turn down a title fight.”

A former Cage Warriors Fighting Championship titleholder, Moore believes the time is right for his shot at MMA glory.

“I think this is the perfect time,” he said. “I think I’m at the peak of my career, not only physically but mentally. I’ve peaked in every single way. The experience I gained at Cage Warriors was invaluable.”

The challenge of facing someone of Anderson’s ilk does not seem to faze Moore.

“You expect to fight these types of people,” he said. “You’re not going to fight a bum for a world title. It’s not how it works. From my first fight back [following a hiatus from 2019 to 2022], I put a call out for Yoel Romero. I want to fight these guys. I want to fight the best of the best because I think I’m at that level now. When I beat Corey, that solidifies me as one of the best in the world, the Bellator champion, or possibly one of the best fighters there is. For me, it’s a win-win.”

Moore sees the Professional Fighters League’s recent acquisition of Bellator as a positive development.

“It’s a great opportunity for myself and all the other fighters,” he said. “I mean, we can stay with Bellator. We can fight in PFL in a tournament. It’s great because it gives them more opportunities and more options, so yeah, I’m all for it.”

Once again, Moore prepared for battle under SBG Ireland coach John Kavanagh. His training partners included Johnny Walker—a former Anderson opponent—and fellow PFL fighter Will Fleury. Additionally, he traveled to England to train with interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and his team. Moore remains grateful to all who have walked alongside him on his MMA journey.

“It wouldn’t be possible without them, but most importantly, my biggest sponsors are my parents and my partner, Christine,” he said. “All my training partners—I want to thank them for all the help and all the work they put in.”