Corey Anderson still believes he deserves to fight for the UFC’s light-heavyweight title next. But, the former TUF winner has clarified what his stance actually is, following comments he made about fighting for the belt or getting released.

Anderson’s title shot demands, following his big win at UFC 244

Anderson buzzed the MMA world this past Saturday at UFC 244, big time, by taking out Johnny Walker in the opening round. Leading up to the bout, many observers predicted that Anderson’s wrestling would test Walker. But, due to the rising star’s recent run, which included Walker finishing Khalil Rountree, Justin Ledet and Misha Cirkunov in less than three minutes total, the Brazilian was the favorite to win.

After Anderson’s big win, he did an interview in which he made it clear he believes he should fight for the belt next. Anderson also said if that doesn’t happen, he wants to be released.

Anderson clarifies his comments

But, since those comments fired around the internet, Anderson spoke with MMA Fighting. While doing so, the 30-year-old contender said this:

“I have to clear that up,” Anderson said. “Media’s known for clickbaiting and I think I know what reporter said that but he didn’t say the whole interview. The interview in the back they said ‘what do you want next?’ and I said I want a title fight. I want Jon Jones my next fight. Then they mentioned Dominick Reyes and I said 100 percent, Dominick Reyes has been doing his work, he’s put in his time. I wanted to fight him but he’s earned this fight, too. I’m in no rush to fight for the title right now.

“If Jon Jones wants to fight Dominick Reyes in December or January, that’s completely fine. I will take the winner of that. Then it went onto ‘but what if they try to take one of these new guys and bump them up in the rankings and put them in front of you — what if after Dominick Reyes, they push you to the back of the line again, what would you do?’. That’s when I said, if they’re going to do that to me, then release me.”

“…Other than that, I’m willing to wait for my turn. But I want to fight for the belt next.”

So, this is an interesting revelation. There’s no question Reyes has been on a run – he’s gone 6-0 in the Octagon and recently took out Chris Weidman – so, there’s been widespread calls for him to fight Jones next.

But, the big question is, if the UFC does proceed with Jones – Reyes, will they guarantee Anderson a title shot if he doesn’t fight in the interim? Historically, the UFC has typically called on fighters to remain active.

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