CHICAGO – Vadim Nemkov thinks he’s cleaned out the Bellator light heavyweight division and is now considering a move up to face the big boys after Bellator 297.
Nemkov (17-2 MMA, 9-0 BMMA) put on a masterclass on Friday when he dominated Yoel Romero (15-7 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) for almost five full rounds to win a lopsided unanimous decision in their main event showdown at Wintrust Arena. It was his fifth consecutive title defense, and made the Russian just the fourth in Bellator history to start a promotional tenure on a 10-fight unbeaten streak.
The 30-year-old won the 205-pound grand prix prior to defeating Romero, and his defeated all the most notable contenders in his division – some twice. Because of that, Nemkov is mulling a jump to heavyweight where he could face greater challenges.
“I am one of the best light heavyweights in the world,” Nemkov told MMA Junkie and other reporters through an interpreter post-fight at Bellator 297. “I don’t think there’s any challenge for me in the light heavyweight division, so I may try myself in heavyweight division now, because there’s no one else to fight there.”
Nemkov had his way with Romero in the cage at Bellator 297. Although the challenger was arguably beyond his prime at 46 years old, Romero’s power and athleticism makes him a danger in any fight. He only had a few small moments over 25 minutes, though, and that was because Nemkov was overwhelming with his pace, pressure and output.
The champion landed some clean and powerful shots on multiple occasions, and he admits to be being stunned not only by Romero’s ability to take damage, but the fact he would try to taunt him.
“I was surprised about his head,” Nemkov said. “It’s really strong. There was a lot of great shots that I landed that I felt through the glove. It was kind of weird that he didn’t get injured or anything. At the end of the second round I thought I got him, but then I understood he was acting.”
If Nemkov does move up to heavyweight, a familiar foe holds the title. He already took one belt from Ryan Bader, who was a simultaneous two-division champion before Nemkov emerged and took over at light heavyweight with a second-round TKO win in August 2020.
Before he makes any firm decisions on his future, though, Nemkov said he wants to relish beating Romero, who he has admired for years.
“I’m very happy about this win,” Nemkov said. “It was very important to me. He’s a great fighter. He’s a legend. He’s an Olympian, so to win over somebody like him who was fighting with a lot of great fighters, top fighters, it means a lot to me.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 297.
