Viktor Nemkov

Viktor Nemkov was born in a small village in Zhalgyskan, Kazakh SSR, Soviet Union, now modern-Kazakhstan. In 1999 the family moved to the village Tomarovka, Belgorod Oblast. There, Nemkov began to train in Judo.

Having spent some successful tournaments, Nemkov became a "Master of Sport in Judo."[2]

Nemkov was the 2008 Russian Combat Sambo bronze medalist in the 90 kg weight category and the 2009 World Cup champion.[3]

Nemkov trains at the Red Devil Sport Club; a training facility and team strongly linked with the M-1 Global promotion and Fedor Emelianenko.[4][5]

Nemkov began his professional mixed martial arts career with a loss to Magomed Sultanakhmedov via TKO, but quickly rebounded against newcomer Christian Bombay. Nemkov was able to secure a triangle choke on Bombay early in the first round to claim his first victory.[4]

Nemkov continued in M-1 with several victories, including one in a fight against Sergey Khramov.[6]

Nemkov's toughest challenge at that point came against the vastly experienced Tony Lopez in South Korea. Lopez' experience was perhaps too great, as he walked away with a submission victory via rear naked choke in the second round, handing Nemkov his second career loss.[7]

Nemkov then signed to fight Khanilav Khanilaev at the M-1 2009 Finals.[8] Nemkov went onto suffer his third career defeat, losing via split decision. Nemkov would bounce back with a victory over Shamil Vajsurov who, going into the fight, had a record of 0–1.[9]

In August 2010, Nemkov was reportedly scouted by World Wrestling Entertainment - whilst on a tour of Russia - who wanted to sign him as a professional wrestler.[10]

In April 2011, Nemkov fought Vinny Magalhaes for the vacant M-1 Global Light Heavyweight title. Early on, Magalhaes looked for a takedown, but it was Nemkov who was able to secure top position early on.[11] From there, Nemkov had to defend against multiple submission attempts, including an omoplata which seemed to be almost locked in.[11] From the second round, Magalhaes visibly tired, but still managed to mount Nemkov on a couple of occasions. Magalhaes was able to finish Nemkov in the third round via rare mounted gogoplata with a neck crank.[11]

Following the loss, Nemkov went on a four fight winning streak, including a tournament win held over a 4-month span.[4]

Nemkov participated in the 2019 season of PFL. During the regular season, Nemkov defeated Rakim Cleveland and Rashid Yusupov via decisions and advanced to playoffs.[12] In the playoffs he faced Bozigit Ataev at PFL 9, which ended in a majority draw leading to Ataev advancing to the semifinals.[13]

On September 1, 2020, it was announced that Nemkov had signed a contract with Bellator MMA.[14]

Nemkov made his Bellator debut at Bellator 257 on April 16, 2021, against Karl Albrektsson.[15] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[16]

Nemkov faced Leonardo Guimarães on December 19, 2021, at Open Fighting Championship 15. He won via unanimous decision.[17]

Nemkov was scheduled to face Jose “Gugu” Augusto on July 22, 2022, at Bellator 283.[18] However, due to an injury to Nemkov, the bout was scrapped.[19]

• All-Russian Sambo Federation
  • Russian Combat Sambo National Championships 8nd Place (2010)