In Corey Anderson’s office there is an exercise bike, a projector, an editing hub, sponsor flags from his biggest fights and the head of the first deer he killed with a bow.
The Bellator light-heavyweight title challenger has had a long fighting career – and an even longer hunting one.
While hunting in the UK is much more restricted with very polarising attitudes towards it, it is a big part of culture for many in the US.
The starkness with which Anderson speaks will seem jarring to many in the UK, but is indicative of the differences between the two countries.
Anderson, who made his pro MMA debut in 2013, having wrestled through high school and college, can’t remember the first time he went hunting.
But he tells BBC Sport: “It’s something I grew up with, bringing food, providing and cooking your own harvest.
“Since I can remember I’ve had a gun in my hand, rabbit hunting with my father. When I turned 12 or 13 he gave me my first bow and arrow and I started target shooting. I went hunting with my bow for the first time at 16.”
It would take Anderson another six years to take down his first deer with a bow – a real lesson in patience. “It was an adrenaline dump,” he says of the feeling, which he likens to fighting.
“They go hand in hand for me. It’s the same as far as the mental aspect and being sharp.
“When I’m shooting my bow, it’s a martial art in a way. You can only shoot within a certain range of a deer – you have to be tactical.
“Everything has to line up perfect to get that perfect shot. The same thing with fighting. I’ve got make sure I move to line everything up.
“I can’t just throw punches, I’ve got be in the right position. I’ve got to be in the right spot to throw the punch.”
A never-stop attitude has served Anderson well in the cage. He suffered big losses to Jan Blachowicz, Ovince Saint Preux and Briton Jimi Manuwa when he was in the UFC.
Five defeats in total, four by knockout, left Anderson at times stranded in his career and he exited the UFC disillusioned with the lack of faith the promotion appeared to have in him.
Now in Bellator, he is on the verge of the most important fight of his life.
Source- BBC
