Vadim Nemkov Has Sights Set on Bellator Heavyweight Title

‘All the hard work is paying off.’

Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.

A new contender for the heavyweight title has emerged in Bellator.

Vadim Nemkov, the reigning light heavyweight champion, put forth another decisive showing two weeks ago, this time against Yoel Romero at Bellator 297.

The newly anointed No. 1 fighter in Bellator’s pound-for-pound rankings, Nemkov (17–2, 1 NC) has bulldozed through the light heavyweight division. His next conquest is to follow in the footsteps of mentor Fedor Emelianenko and win the heavyweight title.

“It’s something to discuss with my team, to see if the time to do it is now,” says Nemkov, speaking through a translator. “As I get older, it becomes more difficult to cut weight. I feel so much more powerful when I train at a heavyweight weight.”

The current heavyweight champ is Ryan Bader, who Nemkov, 31, defeated for the light heavyweight belt three summers ago. Since then, Bader has defeated Emelianenko for a second time, as well as scored a victory against Valentin Moldavsky, a teammate of Nemkov’s. The chance to win the heavyweight belt—and dethrone Bader, who caused problems for his team—is a thought that has crossed Nemkov’s mind.

“I’m fighting not only for myself, but also for my team,” says Nemkov. “If we fight, I have to beat him. No matter what.”

Nemkov, who has not lost a fight since April 2016, looked dominant two weeks ago at Bellator 297 in Chicago. He won by unanimous decision, controlling all five rounds of the bout against Romero (15–7).

“Everything went according to plan,” says Nemkov. “Honestly, I was surprised by how strong his head is and how good his chin is. By the fifth round, he had nothing to lose, so he was trying to knock me out with one blow. I was planning to be faster, and I was.”

The victory marked the fourth consecutive defense of his light heavyweight title, a new record in the division. It also elevated Nemkov to the top of Bellator’s pound-for-pound rankings, an accolade he is proud to have earned.

“All the hard work is paying off,” says Nemkov. “I’m representing Fedor’s team, so it means a lot to have someone from Fedor’s team rank first in the pound-for-pound.”

Following the win against Romero, Nemkov celebrated in style. He brought his wife on a quick trip to New York, where they enjoyed his birthday.

“We enjoyed some nice steaks and the company of our friends,” says Nemkov. “Then I went back to Chicago, and then we went back to Russia.

“Now I will speak with my team, and we will make a decision about what comes next.”

Michael Chandler cannot afford to let bout slip away against Conor McGregor

McGregor’s losing streak on this season of The Ultimate Fighter reached five on this week’s episode.

Doesn’t it seem like defeat will also follow McGregor into the cage?

Five weeks in, The Ultimate Fighter has captured the fighting spirit of both McGregor and Chandler. One is fully focused and immersed on what is happening in the cage, while the other has a plethora on his plate away from fighting (as well as even more serious allegations since the show filmed).

If this fight ever takes place, and it is looking more and more likely it will have to be in 2024, then Chandler should be favored to win. He is hungry and looking for a victory that will elevate him to a whole new level. McGregor has none of that at stake in this bout.

This feels similar to Amanda Nunes’s fighting Ronda Rousey in December 2016. While Chandler is unlikely to start the otherworldly stretch Nunes did after that fight, it would certainly bring him to a whole new level of success, like it did for Nunes. And it very well could be the beginning of the end for McGregor in the cage.

Chandler needs to keep fighting to make sure this bout takes place. A career-defining win is at stake.

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinBarrasso.