Video: Hero’s Welcome For Returning Nemkov

Bellator MMA

If I became Bellator MMA light heavyweight champion and flew back to New Jersey, I would probably get a coupon for a free dessert at my local Applebees as a reward for my accomplishments. Outside of that, I don’t think many people would give a shit.

But in a city like Belgorod, Russia, winning a championship title in mixed martial arts (MMA) is a big f—king deal, which explains why local fans surrounded the airport for the returning Vadim Nemkov after the light heavyweight bruiser upset Ryan Bader at Bellator 244 last weekend at Mohegan Sun.

“I feel like me and Ryan Bader are the top two light heavyweights in the world right now,” Nemkov said during his post-fight interview. “I know there are a lot of top light heavyweights in the UFC, but I think we could beat any one of them.”

For complete Bellator 244 results and play-by-play coverage click here.