In a disappointing turn of events for MMA fans, the highly anticipated trilogy bout between Corey Anderson and Vadim Nemkov has been scrapped from the PFL’s Road to Dubai Champions Series event scheduled for January 25, 2025, at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai.
Vadim Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson 3 is officially scrapped https://t.co/SqKPJNzv8I pic.twitter.com/EEXqKM5s5K
— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) December 17, 2024
The fight, which was set to serve as the co-main event, fell apart due to disagreements between Nemkov and the promotion. According to Anderson, Nemkov refused to face him, citing that Anderson was “too tough of a fight”2. This development comes as a shock, considering the bout was officially announced by the PFL just days ago.
Anderson expressed his frustration on social media, revealing that he had already begun preparations for the fight. “Breaking announcement, folks. The trilogy will not be happening,” Anderson stated. “I woke up to a text this morning from PFL and Bellator saying, ‘Vadim refuses to fight you.'”
The cancellation of this high-profile matchup is a significant blow to the event’s lineup. The Anderson-Nemkov trilogy was eagerly awaited by fans, given their history of two closely contested battles. Their first encounter ended in a no-contest due to an accidental clash of heads, while Nemkov secured a unanimous decision victory in the rematch.
This setback follows an earlier change to the card when Ante Delija withdrew from his scheduled bout against Nemkov. The PFL had swiftly moved to replace Delija with Anderson, creating what seemed to be an even more compelling matchup. However, this latest development leaves a void in the co-main event slot.
PFL Road to Dubai Fight Card
Despite this setback, the Road to Dubai Champions Series still boasts an impressive main event. Undefeated Bellator Lightweight World Champion Usman Nurmagomedov (18-0) is set to defend his title against rising Irish contender Paul Hughes (13-1). This clash between the “Pride of Dagestan” and the surging Hughes promises to deliver high-stakes action for fight fans.
The PFL has yet to officially comment on the situation or announce a replacement for the co-main event. However, the promotion has unveiled a full undercard featuring top Emirati talents and international fighters, showcasing their commitment to developing MMA in the region.
Main Card
• Main Event: Usman Nurmagomedov vs. Paul Hughes – For the Bellator Lightweight Championship
• Khasan Magomedsharipov vs. Nathan Kelly
• Ibragim Ibragimov vs. Kenny Mokhonoana
• Renat Khavalov vs. Cleiver Fernandes
Preliminary Card
• Tarek Sileiman vs. Ahmed Samy
• Hadi Omar Al Hussaini vs. Ruel Pañales
• Yakub Sulimanov vs. Jarrah Al-Selawe
• John Mitchell vs. Souhil Tairi
• Youssef Al Housani vs. Assem Ghanem
• Mostafa Nada vs. Haider Khan
• Mirafzal Akhtamov vs. Mike Thompson
