Vadim Nemkov Best LHW ‘On the Planet,’ Better Than UFC 205-Pounders

When it comes to the best light heavyweights in the world, Vadim
Nemkov is at or near the top of most lists.

According to Bellator president Scott Coker, Nemkov solidified his
spot as the best 205-pound talent with his dominant title
defense against Yoel Romero
in the Bellator 297 headliner on Friday night in Chicago.

“Nemkov to me is the best 205-pounder on the planet in any MMA
league, including better than the UFC 205-ers,” Coker said at the
Bellator 297 post-fight press conference.

“I think what you saw [at Bellator 297] was his speed, agility, his
combinations. He can kick, he can punch, he can take you down, he
can defend. He can do it all. I think that’s what you saw
tonight.”

Romero, a former middleweight title challenger in the UFC, absorbed
a lot of damage from Nemkov over the course of the five-round
fight. Other than a late takedown and some attempts to lull Nemkov
to sleep with a drunken master style, Romero struggled to author
any moments of note. That, Coker says, is a testament to Nemkov’s
talent.

“Yoel
Romero is a scary guy,” Coker said. “If he punches you or gets
on top of you, you’re gonna be in trouble. I think what you saw is
the skill level of Nemkov. It’s impressive. The guy is really,
really good.”

After his latest victory, Nemkov hinted that a move to heavyweight
could be in the cards. However, Coker pointed out that a third bout
between the champ and grand prix foe Corey
Anderson might be worth exploring down the road. Anderson kept
himself relevant in the title discussion with a split-decision
triumph over Phil Davis in
another featured bout at Bellator 297. Nemkov earned a unanimous
decision over Anderson in the finals of the bracket at Bellator 288
after their first bout — which Anderson appeared to be winning —
was ruled a no contest due to an accidental clash of heads.

“I know Corey wants to get a shot at him,” Coker said. “Think about
that first fight, Corey was on his way to win that fight … They
stopped it and it didn’t work out for him. The second fight didn’t
work out. I think that Nemkov studied a lot of film on Corey and
made a lot of adjustments. Does it deserve a rubber match? I think
it does. But when and where, we’ll see.”