UNCASVILLE, Conn. – Whatever challenger the Bellator light heavyweight grand prix presents next, Vadim Nemkov will be ready.
On Friday, Nemkov (13-2 MMA, 6-0 BMMA) retained his title and advanced to the semifinal round of the tournament when he defeated Phil Davis by unanimous decision. The victory was Nemkov’s first title defense.
“I feel great,” Nemkov told MMA Junkie through an interpreter during his post-fight news conference at Mohegan Sun Arena. “I have no serious injuries. I’m going to shortly take a quick break and get ready for the next step. … I think I won the first three rounds. The fourth, I think I lost. The fifth was pretty even, but I came out a winner. Phil Davis works in the same tempo for a three-round or five-round fight. It doesn’t matter to him.”
With the win, Nemkov advances to the tournament semifinals, which are set for July. He’ll face off against the winner of Anthony Johnson (22-6 MMA, 0-0 BMMA) vs. Yoel Romero (13-5 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), a fight scheduled as the co-headliner of Bellator 258 on May 7. No matter which fighter wins, Nemkov is confident.
“Both fighters are very unpredictable,” Nemkov said. “They can strike and wrestle. I’m a champion, and I’m ready for whoever wins that fight. … It doesn’t matter to me. Both fighters are good on the ground or (at) standup. It’s going to be a good fight for me to win.”
After Nemkov’s side of the bracket figures itself out, the fighter who remains will face off against the winner of Ryan Bader vs. Corey Anderson in the final.
Vadim Nemkov after Bellator 257: ‘I’m ready for whoever wins’ Anthony Johnson vs. Yoel Romero
