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UFC light heavyweight contender Corey Anderson is on the verge of adding his name to the mix of truly elite fighters in the growing division.



On Saturday night he has the opportunity to make that star status official when he steps into the Octagon in the main event of the evening for the first time in his career. He is set to face top five ranked Jimi Manuwa at UFC Fight Night 107 live from the O2 Arena in London, England.



The Illinois native has been known to travel around the world to fight high level opponents on their home turf. This fight will be no different, as he faces the ever dangerous Manuwa on his stomping grounds in London. To know a bit about Anderson is to know that he is not overly concerned about the details of the where that any said scrap is to take place. He is ever ready to hop a plane and travel anywhere in the world to inflict damage on an opponent in front of their friends and family.



In the process, he may have taken the torch and nickname from MMA pioneer Shonie Carter.



"I could care less where the fight takes place," Anderson told FloCombat. "I have tunnel vision. It could take place in an alley, in a dumpster, in a bathroom, in the gym, in a cage or wherever he wants to go. I got a job to do. I fought in Brazil twice in my opponent's backyard. I'm known for going into people's backyards and to their hometowns. They call me 'Mr. International'. They like sending me to other people's hometowns and to different countries. I don't care. I just want to fight. If I have to do it in his hometown or mine, it's going to get done."



One new challenge for Anderson Saturday night will be competing in a five round main event for the first time in his career. The long and lanky striker known for his grinding wrestling skills and high work rate cardio output feels that the longer fight will play into his strengths and ultimately be a huge advantage for him come fight night.



"I'm going to go out there and dominate," Anderson said "Anybody that knows me knows I push the pace. Anybody that sees my fights knows I don't get tired. Five rounds is nothing to me. I do five rounds easy. Sometimes I'll do six, seven or more rounds in practice. I feel fine. The biggest aspect of every game plan is my cardio. As long as I have my cardio I can do anything. I can make it a pretty fight. I can make it an ugly fight. Either way it's going to be a fight. Ten out of ten times my opponent will gas out before I do. I am confident of that."



Anderson finds himself in more and more elite company with each passing win. Adding Manuwa's name to the win side of his ledger would catapult him even higher in the division. Anderson can't help but wonder how a fight with another top five opponent, who he was once rumored to fight, would play out if the two should meet inside the Octagon in the future.



"I am getting into exclusive company," Anderson said. "The best of the best in the division. I'm not focused on calling guys out but I wouldn't mind fighting Alexander Gustafsson. We are both well rounded. I come from a wrestling background and he has shown solid wrestling. Maybe he could stuff a couple of my takedowns and make it interesting. He could make me dig deep and go somewhere I haven't had to go yet."



First thing is first, as Anderson is well aware he needs to handle the huge challenge in front of him this weekend before any other high profile fights are entertained. He enters the fight of his life coming off a near flawless fight camp and he feels that fact and the confidence gained will shine though under the bright lights of the Octagon.



"Camp was great," Anderson said. "I was healthy the whole time. I have no injuries, no aches, and no bruises. I am just ready to get out there and do my thing. I am excited and pumped up. I'm ready to really put on a show."