Newly crowned Bellator champion Vadim Nemkov said after Bellator 244 that he feels like the No. 1 light heavyweight in the world. That feeling was likely strengthened by the hero’s welcome he received in his home country of Russia.
Nemkov left no doubt in his title fight with Ryan Bader last Friday, dismantling him in the second round to win by TKO. With the victory, Nemkov made a bit of history, too, as he became the first Russian fighter to claim a major MMA organization’s 205-pound championship.
That significance certainly wasn’t lost back home, either, as Nemkov arrived in Belgorod – with the belt draped over his shoulder – to a rousing ovation from what appeared to be hundreds of fans at the airport.
Check out the scene (via Instagram):
Nemkov, 28, who trains alongside legend Fedor Emelianenko, is now 12-2 overall and undefeated in Bellator at 5-0. Nemkov said his preference for his first title defense would be against the winner of the upcoming Phil Davis vs. Lyoto Machida rematch that’s headlining Bellator 245 next month.
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Check out the hero's welcome new Bellator champ Vadim Nemkov received in Russia