UNCASVILLE, Conn. – At Bellator 244, Vadim Nemkov became the first Russian fighter to earn a lightweight heavyweight title from a promotion when he defeated Ryan Bader by TKO in second round.
Minutes after leaving the cage on Friday, Nemkov (13-2 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) spoke to reporters huddled behind the stage at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Nemkov, a protégé of Fedor Emelianenko, spoke about the importance of becoming the first person to achieve the feat for his homeland.
“When I trained for this fight, I was actually mentally prepared for the historical value of the fight the first Russian, not to just win, but to fight for an important 205-pound title,” Nemkov told MMA Junkie via an interpreter at the news conference after the event. “I feel like I’ve made history – a small part of history.”
The victory solidified Nemkov’s place, but the Russian champion also thinks it secured his place as not only the best 205-pound fighter in Bellator – but in the world.
‘I feel like with all the changes that have taken place in the 205-pound division and the caliber of the opponent I just beat (the boy is a two-time champion in two different weight classes), I feel if I’m No. 1 right now, ”said Nemkov. “To back up why I said this, I did not just go through five rounds of a fight. I finished a top, top candidate in two rounds in a decisive way. I feel like no. 1. ”
After the fight, longtime UFC lightweight heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who left his title earlier this week, took to Twitter to congratulate Nemkov on his victory. After hearing Jones’ compliment, Nemkov graciously accepted the sentiment.
“I just want to thank him,” Nemkov said. “It means a lot to hear, especially from a legend like Jon Jones.”
It looks like Russia has a light heavyweight champion, congratulations
What’s next, Nemkov’s eyes closed on one fight in particular. Although Bellator just signed former UFC candidate Corey Anderson, Nemkov said he thinks the September 11 winner between Lyoto Machida and Phil Davis makes more sense.
“The situation is a bit unclear at the moment,” Nemkov said. “Machida is fighting against Phil Davis, so I would probably say that the winner of that fight will be my first title defense. I know Corey Anderson just signed, but I feel it would be wrong for him to get a UFC title shot. I feel like he probably should have had a fight sooner. At the end of the day, I will fight against whoever they put me in front of me. “
Watch Nemkov’s full Bellator 244 post-fight news conference in the video above.
Bellator 244 happened Friday at the Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card was simulcasted on Paramount Network and DAZN after prelims on MMA Junkie.
.
