Vadim Nemkov no longer holds a Bellator title.
Now a heavyweight, Nemkov (17-2) has officially vacated the Bellator light heavyweight title, a promotion official confirmed Tuesday to MMA Junkie.
Nemkov had previously revealed to MMA Junkie in August his intention to move up a weight class and acknowledged forfeiture of championship status would likely result.
“I’m getting older and every fight is getting harder for me to cut weight,” Nemkov said. “Let’s say that before I felt comfortable when I was training at 103kg (227lbs). Now, I feel even more comfortable at 106-108kg (233-238lbs). When I train right now, it’s 103kg. I feel less strong and dangerous. It’s not the same as I am at 106-108kg. … It’s a new challenge for me. I’ve done everything I can at light heavyweight. Now, it’s a new challenge to go up in weight and get another title. At 205, I don’t see anything new for me.”
Nemkov, 31, was regarded as arguably the best light heavyweight outside the UFC prior to his move up in weight and has not lost in 12 straight fights. He returns Feb. 24 on the PFL vs. Bellator: Champions pay-per-view event in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia against 2021 PFL heavyweight champion Bruno Cappelozza (15-6).
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