Why Bellator champ-champ Ryan Bader values fight with rising prospect Vadim Nemkov

NEW YORK – Ryan Bader is facing a lesser-known opponent in his next outing, but he’s just as motivated as he would be for a famous foe.

Bellator dual-champ Bader (27-5 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) will defend his light heavyweight title for the first time since 2017 when he takes on Russian prospect and Fedor Emelianenko protege Vadim Nemkov (11-2 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) in the main event of Bellator 242 on May 9 in San Jose, Calif.

Bader, who also holds Bellator’s heavyweight belt, has faced an array of legends and notable names in his past few outings at heavyweight, including a knockout win over Emelianenko to claim the heavyweight title in the grand prix.

So when facing the unknown-but-dangerous Nemkov, Bader may not have as much to gain, but he knows it would make for a valid victory nonetheless.

“A lot of people don’t know him right, so you lose to a guy like that, and they’re like who the hell was that guy but they don’t realize how good he really is,” Bader told MMA Junkie.

“Beat three former champions last three fights and all that but at the same time I’m kind of interested in this fight and I’m amped for it because I’ve been fighting the top guys, guys everyone knows, and the hardcore MMA fans know this dude and know he’s like the next big thing so for me to go out and prove and put a stamp on it, like hey, I’m still here, I might be here for a little while so you can have your time but my time is right now.”

It will have been almost three years since Bader fought at 205 pounds when he makes the walk against Nemkov, and he’s already been working on getting his weight down. He’s had plenty of success at light heavyweight, kickstarting his career by winning the eighth season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

“I feel like I owe it to the light heavyweight division to stay down there for a couple of fights, and then go back up,” Bader said. “So, that’s what I’m thinking, we all got to mesh with Bellator and Scott Coker so we’ll see on that.”

“Coming down to this fight in particular, you got a young guy that’s highly-praised, Fedor protege and he beat three former champs in his last three fights so I’m looking forward to it.”