Vadim Nemkov

Vadim Nemkov (born 20 June 1992) is a Russian professional mixed martial artist and a Four time Combat Sambo World Champion currently competing in Bellator's Light Heavyweight division. He holds a professional Mixed Martial Arts record of 11-2. Nemkov is the younger brother of Viktor Nemkov and is a protege of the legendary MMA Heavyweight and Sambo master Fedor Emelianenko.

Early career

Between June, 2013 and August 2015 Nemkov accumulated a 4-0 record in Russian regional promotions, winning all 4 fights via stoppage.

Rizin Fighting Federation

Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2015: Opening Round

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 Dec 29st and 31st.It was announced Nemkov would make his Rizin debut vs Goran Reljic. He won the bout by knockout in the 1st round, advancing to the semi-finals 2 days later.

Rizin Fighting World Grand Prix 2015: Second Round

In the semi-finals Dec 31st he faced Jiří Procházka, losing via retirement at the end of the 1st (10 minute) round. Procházka would move on to face Muhammed 'King Mo' Lawal in the finals losing via KO (punches) in the 1st round.

Rizin 1

April 17th, 2016 Nemkov fought Karl Albrektsson at Rizin 1, losing via split-decision.

Rizin Fighting Word Grand Prix 2016: Second Round

(After a fight in Russia for FNG) Nemkov would compete in Rizin vs Alison Vicente winning 55 seconds into the 1st round (TKO)

Fight Nights Global

Fight Nights Global 50: Emelianenko vs Maldonado

June 17th, 2016 Nemkov fought Mikołaj Różanski on the Fight Nights Global 50: Emelianenko vs Maldonado card in St. Petersburg, Russia. He won the fight in the 1st round (TKO - punches).

Bellator MMA

On August 25, 2017 Nemkov made his Bellator debut against Philipe Lins at Bellator 182 - winning by knockout in the 1st round.

At Bellator 194 February 16th, 2017 Nemkov defeated former Bellator LHW Champion Liam McGeary. He won the fight via leg kick TKO in the 3rd round.

In his highest profile fight to date, Nemkov faced Phil Davis on November 15, 2018 at Bellator 209. He won the fight via split decision.

In the beginning of 2019, Nemkov signed a new, multi-fight contract with Bellator. As the first fight of the contract, Nemkov faced Rafael Carvalho at Bellator 230 on October 12, 2019. After dominating most of the bout that far, Nemkov submitted Carvalho late in the second round via rear-naked choke.

After racking up four straight wins in Bellator, Nemkov was signed to challenge Ryan Bader at Bellator 242 on May 9, 2020 for the light heavyweight championship. However, it was later announced that Bellator 242 and Nemkov's bout against Bader is being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.