Vadim Nemkov

Vadim Aleksandrovich Nemkov (Russian: Вадим Александрович Немков; born 20 June 1992) is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and a four-time Combat Sambo World Champion. He currently competes in the Light Heavyweight division of Bellator, where he is the current Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion.[1] As of June 20, 2023, he was #1 in the Bellator men's pound-for-pound rankings.[2] Nemkov is the younger brother of Viktor Nemkov and is a protégé of the MMA Heavyweight and Sambo master Fedor Emelianenko. He is currently ranked as the #1 Light Heavyweight in the world by Sherdog.com.

In this name that follows Eastern Slavic naming conventions, the patronymic is Aleksandrovich and the family name is Nemkov.
Vadim Nemkov
Вадим Александрович Немков
BornVadim Nemkov
(1992-06-20) June 20, 1992
Belgorod, Russia
Native nameВадим Немков
NationalityRussian
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight205 lb (93 kg; 14.6 st)
DivisionHeavyweight (2015, 2016)
Light Heavyweight (2013–2015, 2016–present)
Reach76 in (193 cm)
StyleSambo
Fighting out ofStary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia
TeamFedorTeam
Alexander Nevsky (Stary Oskol)
American Top Team
TrainerFedor Emelianenko
RankInternational Master of Sport in Combat Sambo
Years active2013–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total20
Wins17
By knockout10
By submission3
By decision4
Losses2
By knockout1
By decision1
No contests1
Other information
Notable relativesViktor Nemkov (brother)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record
Representing  Russia
Men's Combat Sambo
World Championships
Gold medal – first place 2014 Narita 100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2015 Casablanca 100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2017 Sochi 100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2019 Cheongju 100 kg
Bronze medal – third place 2013 Saint Petersburg 100 kg
European Championships
Gold medal – first place 2014 Bucharest 100 kg
Gold medal – first place 2016 Kazan 100 kg
Last updated on: 17 October 2021 (2021-10-17)

Background

Vadim was born on June 20, 1992. Many sources contain information that he is a native of Belgorod, but this is not at all the case. His family began their life journey in a small village in Kazakhstan, where they lived until 1999, after which he, his brother Viktor and his parents moved to the village of Tomarovka, Belgorod Region. It was here that Nemkov's sports path began.[3][4]

In all endeavors, Vadim followed his older brother Viktor. At the Tamarov school, they began to attend the judo section, then hand-to-hand combat attracted their attention, and only after that it was the turn of sambo, where both brothers reached great heights and received a good sports base. During the period of study at the school, Nemkov managed to participate in many competitions in sambo and other disciplines. Almost all of his youth was spent at a high pace, learning, discovering new things in sports.[3][4]

At the time of graduation, Vadim was drafted into the army. He himself admits that there was an opportunity not to go there, but there was not even a thought about it. Due to the fact that the guy himself was strong and well physically developed, he was called up for service in the special forces. Nemkov notes that the army gave him additional knowledge, both in the sports component and in life in general. The hardening he received there helps him to enter the cage against any opponent without any fear.[3][4]

At the moment, Vadim has 2 educations. He received the first at the Technological University of Belgorod, having received a diploma in the specialty "Personnel Management", and the second, already in 2017, at BelSU, with a degree in "Coach".[3][4]

During this entire period of time "army-training", Nemkov actively participated in the Russian, European and world championships in combat sambo, where in most cases he took gold. Between 2014 and 2019, he took the gold 4 times at the World Sambo Championships 100 kg class, and after that he said that he would not waste his time on such competitions in the future and would devote himself entirely to MMA.[3][4]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

As part of mixed martial arts, Nemkov made his debut on May 31, 2013. The technical knockout that knocked out Magomed Datsiev brought victory to Vadim. Less than a month later, on June 27, he also defeated Andrei Trufaikin by TKO. The next were the Pole Michal Gutovskiy (10-3 at the time of the fight) and the Romanian Isidor Bunea, who generally appeared in professional MMA for the first and last time - they lost in the first round. As a result, having gained a series of 4 early victories, already in 2015 Vadim was signed to Rizin.[5]

Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2015

In November 2015, the Japanese fight promotion – and successor to Pride Fighting Championships – Rizin Fighting Federation announced the brackets for a Heavyweight Grand Prix to be held on December 29 and 31.[6] It was announced Nemkov would make his Rizin debut against Goran Reljic. He won the bout by knockout in the first round, advancing to the semi-finals 2 days later.[7] In the semi-finals on December 31, Nemkov faced Jiří Procházka, losing via retirement due to being too exhausted at the end of the first (10 minute) round.[8]

Rizin 1

Nemkov returned to face Karl Albrektsson on April 16, 2016, at Rizin 1.[9] He lost the fight via split decision.[10]

Rizin Fighting Word Grand Prix 2016: Second Round

After a fight in Russia for Fight Nights Global, Nemkov again competed in Rizin against Alison Vicente on December 29, 2016, at RIZIN FF WGP 2nd round. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[11]

Fight Nights Global 50: Emelianenko vs Maldonado

On June 17, 2016, Nemkov fought Mikołaj Różanski on the Fight Nights Global 50: Emelianenko vs Maldonado card in St. Petersburg, Russia. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[12]

Bellator MMA

On August 25, 2017, Nemkov made his Bellator debut against Philipe Lins at Bellator 182.[13] He won the fight by knockout in the first round.[14]

In his second bout for the promotion, Nemkov faced former Bellator Light Heavyweight champion Liam McGeary at Bellator 194 on February 16, 2017.[15] He won the fight via TKO due to leg kicks in the third round.[16]

Nemkov faced another former Bellator Light Heavyweight champion in Phil Davis on November 15, 2018, at Bellator 209.[17] He won the closely contested bout via split decision.[18]

In the beginning of 2019, Nemkov signed a new, multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.[19] As the first fight of the contract, Nemkov faced former Bellator middleweight champion Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 230 on October 12, 2019.[20] Nemkov won the bout via submission in the second round.[21]

Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion (2020-present)

After racking up four straight wins in Bellator, three of which against former Bellator titleholders, Nemkov was signed to challenge Ryan Bader at Bellator 242 on May 9, 2020, for the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship.[22] However, it was later announced that Bellator 242 and Nemkov's bout against Bader was being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[23] The bout with Bader was rescheduled and took place on August 21 at Bellator 244. Nemkov won the bout via second-round technical knockout to capture the Bellator Light Heavyweight title.[24]

On February 9, 2021, it was announced that Nemkov would be defending the Bellator Light Heavyweight title in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament. It was announced that Nemkov would make his first title defense against Phil Davis, a rematch of their November 2018 bout, which saw Nemkov win via split decision. The bout took place at Bellator 257 on April 16, 2021.[25] Nemkov won the bout via unanimous decision, with Nemkov controlling the first three rounds on the feet.[26]

In the semi-finals of the Grand Prix, Nemkov was scheduled to face Anthony Johnson on October 16, 2021, at Bellator 268.[27] On September 18, it was announced that Johnson was pulled from the Grand Prix due to an undisclosed illness and he was replaced by Julius Anglickas.[28][29] Nemkov dominated the fight with wrestling and ground and pound, eventually winning via submission in round four.[30]

In the finals of the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament, Nemkov took on Corey Anderson for the 205-pound title as well as the $1 million prize on April 15, 2022, at Bellator 277.[31] The fight ended in a no contest after an accidental clash of heads resulted in a cut on Nemkov's left brow that rendered him unable to continue.[32]

The rematch of the finals took place on November 18, 2022, at Bellator 288.[33] Nemkov was able to stop all the takedowns of Anderson, going 16 for 16, and picked Anderson apart from distance on the way to defending his belt and winning the $1 million prize for winning the Grand Prix via unanimous decision.[34]

Nemkov was scheduled to defend his title against Yoel Romero on February 4, 2023, at Bellator 290.[35] However, Nemkov was forced to withdraw due to undisclosed reason and the bout was scrapped.[36]

In January 2023, Bellator announced that it had signed a multi-year, multi-fight contract with Nemkov.[37]

The fight with Yoel Romero was rebooked and eventually took place on June 16, 2023, at Bellator 297.[38] Nemkov won the fight via unanimous decision.[39]

Personal life

Nemkov served in the 16th Spetsnaz Brigade in 2010.[40]

Since 2015, he has been married to a woman named Yekaterina Nemkova. Together they have one daughter.[41]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
20 matches 17 wins 2 losses
By knockout 10 1
By submission 3 0
By decision 4 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 17–2 (1) Yoel Romero Decision (unanimous) Bellator 297 June 16, 2023 5 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States Defended the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 16–2 (1) Corey Anderson Decision (unanimous) Bellator 288 November 18, 2022 5 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States Won the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix. Defended the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship. Broke the record for the most title defenses in Bellator Light Heavyweight history (3).
NC 15–2 (1) Corey Anderson No Contest (accidental clash of heads) Bellator 277 April 15, 2022 3 4:55 San Jose, California, United States Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Final. Retained the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship. Accidental clash of heads opened a cut above Nemkov's eye which rendered him unable to continue.
Win 15–2 Julius Anglickas Submission (kimura) Bellator 268 October 16, 2021 4 4:25 Phoenix, Arizona, United States Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Semifinal. Defended the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 14–2 Phil Davis Decision (unanimous) Bellator 257 April 16, 2021 5 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Quarterfinal. Defended the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 13–2 Ryan Bader TKO (head kick and punches) Bellator 244 August 21, 2020 2 3:02 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Won the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship.
Win 12–2 Rafael Carvalho Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 230 October 12, 2019 2 3:56 Milan, Italy
Win 11–2 Phil Davis Decision (split) Bellator 209 November 15, 2018 3 5:00 Tel Aviv, Israel
Win 10–2 Liam McGeary TKO (leg kicks) Bellator 194 February 16, 2018 3 4:02 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 9–2 Philipe Lins KO (punches) Bellator 182 August 25, 2017 1 3:03 Verona, New York, United States
Win 8–2 Alison Vicente TKO (punches) RIZIN FF WGP 2nd Round December 29, 2016 1 0:55 Saitama, Japan
Win 7–2 Mikołaj Różanski TKO (punches) Fight Nights Global 50: Emelianenko vs Maldonado June 17, 2016 1 3:39 St. Petersburg, Russia
Loss 6–2 Karl Albrektsson Decision (split) RIZIN FF 1 April 17, 2016 3 5:00 Nagoya, Aichi, Japan Return to Light Heavyweight.
Loss 6–1 Jiří Procházka TKO (retirement) RIZIN WGP Part 2: Iza December 31, 2015 1 10:00 Saitama, Japan 2015 Rizin Heavyweight Grand Prix Semifinals
Win 6–0 Goran Reljić TKO (punches) RIZIN WGP Part 1: Saraba December 29, 2015 1 2:58 Saitama, Japan Heavyweight debut. 2015 Rizin Heavyweight Grand Prix Quarterfinals
Win 5–0 Joaquim Ferreira KO (punch) Plotforma S-70 6th[43] August 29, 2015 1 0:22 Sochi, Russia
Win 4–0 Isidor Bunea TKO (submission to punches) SOMMAF: Steel Battle 2 April 24, 2015 1 1:00 Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia
Win 3–0 Michał Gutowski TKO (punches) Alexander Nevsky MMA: Liberation August 5, 2013 1 4:32 Stary Oskol, Belgorod Oblast, Russia
Win 2–0 Andrei Trufaikin TKO (punches) RadMer 4: 2 Round June 27, 2013 1 2:29 Sterlitamak, Bashkortostan, Russia
Win 1–0 Magomed Datsiev TKO (ground and pound) Way Of The Warrior 3 May 31, 2013 N/A N/A Tambov, Russia

See also

References
  1. "Vadim Nemkov - MMA Fighter Profile - Bellator.com". Archived from the original on 2021-05-02. Retrieved 2018-02-12.
  2. "Bellator Rankings". www.bellator.com. Retrieved 2021-06-16.
  3. "Вадим Немков". 24SMI (in Russian). Retrieved 2022-12-28.
  4. "Вадим Немков (Vadim Nemkov): все бои, видео, фото, биография Российского бойца Bellator - MMAExpress". mma.express. Retrieved 2022-12-27.
  5. "Vadim Nemkov - MMA Fighter Page - Tapology". Tapology.
  6. "Rizin announces heavyweight tournament bracket". 30 November 2015.
  7. Karim Zidan (December 29, 2015). "Rizin Fighting Federation Day 1 results: Aoki TKOs Sakuraba to cap entertaining show". bloodyelbow.com.
  8. Mike Bohn (December 31, 2015). "Rizin Fighting Federation 1: Day 2 results: Emelianenko TKOs Singh, Lawal wins tourney". MMAjunkie.com.
  9. "Rizin 1 Bout Order Announced; Prochazka vs. Fujita Gets Top Billing Over Wanderlei, Sakuraba". Sherdog. April 11, 2016.
  10. "Karl Albrektsson Wins by Decision at Rizin FF 1". Nordic MMA Everyday at MMA Viking. 2016-04-16. Retrieved 2021-05-02.
  11. Zach Aittama (December 28, 2016). "Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2016: 2nd Round Results". combatpress.com.
  12. Brian Knapp (June 17, 2016). "Fedor Emelianenko Withstands Fabio Maldonado Assault, Escapes with Majority Decision". Sherdog.
  13. Mike Bohn (July 25, 2017). "'Bellator 182: Koreshkov vs. Njokuani' lineup finalized with 14 (!) prelims". MMAjunkie.com.
  14. Alexander K. Lee (August 25, 2017). "Bellator 182 Results: Koreshkov vs. Njokuani". mmafighting.com.
  15. Tristen Critchfield (January 25, 2018). "Ex-Champ Liam McGeary to Face Vadim Nemkov at Bellator 194 on Feb. 16". Sherdog.
  16. Steven Marrocco (February 16, 2018). "Bellator 194 results: Vadim Nemkov destroys Liam McGeary's leg for TKO win over ex-champ". MMAjunkie.com. mmajunkie.com.
  17. "Ex-champ Phil Davis vs. Vadim Nemkov added to Bellator's Israel return". MMAjunkie. 2018-08-18. Retrieved 2018-08-19.
  18. McClory, Mike (2018-11-16). "Bellator 209 Results: Vadim Nemkov Earns Decision Over Phil Davis". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2018-11-21.
  19. "Sergei Kharitonov, Vadim Nemkov and Anatoly Tokov sign new, multi-fight deals with Bellator". mmajunkie.com. January 5, 2019.
  20. Jay Pettry (August 2, 2019). "Bellator Announces Return to Italy with Three Cards in One Night". Sherdog.
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  23. "Bellator postpones next three shows due to coronavirus concerns". mmajunkie.com. MMA Junkie. March 30, 2020. Retrieved April 21, 2020.
  24. "Bellator 244 Results: Bader vs. Nemkov". MMAFighting.com. August 21, 2020. Retrieved August 21, 2020.
  25. Brent Brookhouse (February 9, 2021). "Bellator set for Showtime debut in April as star-studded Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix headlines slate". CBS Sports. Retrieved February 9, 2021.
  26. Anderson, Jay (2021-04-16). "Bellator 257 Results: Vadim Nemkov Wins Decision Over Phil Davis Once Again". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-04-17.
  27. "Vadim Nemkov vs. Anthony Johnson, Ryan Bader vs. Corey Anderson set for Oct. 16 in Phoenix". CBSSports.com. Retrieved 2021-08-01.
  28. "Anthony Johnson has 'never been this afraid of anything in my life' as non-COVID illness pauses career". MMA Junkie. 2021-09-18. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
  29. Anderson, Jay (2021-09-18). "Bellator 268: Julius Anglickas Steps in for Rumble, Will Fight Nemkov for Title". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-09-19.
  30. Anderson, Jay (2021-10-17). "Bellator 268 Results: Vadim Nemkov Submits Julius Anglickas, Retains Title". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-10-17.
  31. "Vadim Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson light heavyweight grand prix final co-headlines Bellator 277". MMA Junkie. 2022-02-16. Retrieved 2022-02-16.
  32. Anderson, Jay (2022-04-15). "Bellator 277: Clash of Heads Leads to No Contest in Vadim Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-04-16.
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  34. Dewar, Val (2022-11-19). "Bellator 288: Vadim Nemkov Wins Grand Prix, Million Dollars with Decision Over Corey Anderson". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-11-19.
  35. Lee, Alexander K. (2022-11-18). "Yoel Romero to fight Vadim Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson 2 winner at Bellator 290". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-11-21.
  36. Brett Okamoto (2022-12-27). "Middleweight Johnny Eblen to defend title at Bellator 290". ESPN.com. Retrieved 2022-12-27.
  37. Marc Raimondi (January 24, 2023). "Bellator re-signs champion Vadim Nemkov to multiyear deal". ESPN.
  38. Martin, Damon (2023-03-27). "Vadim Nemkov vs. Yoel Romero, Sergio Pettis vs. Patricio Pitbull headlines Bellator 297". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2023-03-27.
  39. "Bellator 297 results: Vadim Nemkov dominates inactive Yoel Romero to defend title". MMA Junkie. 2023-06-17. Retrieved 2023-06-18.
  40. Коржова, Елена (10 March 2021). ""Мужская, очень тяжёлая работа". Вадим Немков провёл один день в спецотряде "Белогор"". БелПресса (in Russian).
  41. "Vadim Nemkov and Ekaterina Nemkova - Marriage". Retrieved 20 November 2022.
  42. Mike Bohn (June 18, 2023). "Bellator 297 post-event facts: Vadim Nemkov achieves rare feat in dominant title defense". MMAjunkie.com.
  43. "Plotforma S-70 6th - MMA Event Page - Tapology". Tapology.
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