Vadim Nemkov is a Russian professional mixed martial artist, currently competing in Bellator MMA, holding the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship.
He is widely regarded for his skills in sambo, a combat sport that has translated well into his MMA career, making him one of the top light heavyweights in the world.
Here we have Vadim Nemkov’s net worth, fight purse earnings, career, biography, MMA record, and more.
Vadim Nemkov’s Biography and Career
| Name | Vadim Nemkov |
|---|---|
| Birthdate | June 20, 1992 |
| Birthplace | Belgorod, Russia |
| Nationality | Russian |
| Weight Class | Light Heavyweight (205 lbs) |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Reach | 76 in (193 cm) |
| Fighting Style | Sambo, Mixed Martial Arts |
| Team | Fedor Team |
| Professional Debut | 2013 |
Born on June 20, 1992, in Belgorod, Russia, Nemkov grew up in a family involved in combat sports. Trained by his brother Viktor Nemkov and under the legendary Fedor Emelianenko’s tutelage, Vadim’s path to professional MMA was a natural progression.
He honed his skills in sambo, becoming a multiple-time World and Russian champion.
Professional Career
Vadim Nemkov began his professional MMA career in 2013 and quickly made a name for himself as a powerful and technical light heavyweight.
He fought in several organizations before signing with Bellator MMA in 2017, marking his career’s turning point.
In Bellator, Nemkov rose through the ranks with notable victories over opponents like Liam McGeary and Phil Davis, demonstrating his dominance in both striking and grappling.
His breakthrough came in 2020 when he fought Ryan Bader for the Bellator Light Heavyweight Championship. Nemkov knocked Bader out in the second round, earning him the title and solidifying his status as one of the top fighters in the division.
Nemkov also successfully defended his title multiple times, including against Julius Anglickas in 2021 and Corey Anderson in 2022 during Bellator’s Light Heavyweight Grand Prix.
On June 16, 2023, Nemkov successfully defended his Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship for the fourth consecutive time against Yoel Romero at Bellator 297 in Chicago, Illinois. He won by unanimous decision after five rounds.
This victory set the record for the most consecutive title defenses in Bellator’s light heavyweight division. Nemkov later vacated the title on January 17, 2024, ahead of his return to heavyweight.
In his bout against Bruno Cappelozza on February 24, 2024, at the PFL vs. Bellator event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Vadim Nemkov won by technical submission via arm-triangle choke in the second round (2:13).
This fight marked Nemkov’s return to the heavyweight division and was for the prestigious “PFL Champion vs. Bellator Champion” Super Belt.
Achievements
- Bellator Light Heavyweight World Champion
- Winner of the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix (2022)
- Multiple-time World and Russian Sambo Champion
Vadim Nemkov’s Net Worth Details
Vadim Nemkov’s net worth is estimated to be $1.5 million as of 2025, mainly stemming from his career earnings in Bellator MMA and his championship reign.
Nemkov’s rise to the top has come with lucrative fight purses, particularly his title defenses and Grand Prix winnings.
Fight Purse Earnings
| Fight | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Nemkov vs. Ryan Bader (2020) | $150,000 |
| Nemkov vs. Julius Anglickas (2021) | $175,000 |
| Nemkov vs. Corey Anderson (2022) | $200,000 |
Net Worth Growth
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $900,000 |
| 2021 | $1.1 million |
| 2022 | $1.3 million |
| 2023 | $1.4 million |
| 2024 | $1.5 million |
Endorsements
Vadim Nemkov has secured several endorsements throughout his career, particularly from brands related to combat sports and athletic gear.
Some of his notable sponsors include Venum, a well-known fight gear brand, and Reebok, which has previously partnered with Bellator fighters.
MMA Records
| 20 matches | 17 wins | 2 losses |
| By knockout | 9 | 1 |
| By submission | 4 | 0 |
| By decision | 4 | 1 |
| No contests | 1 | |
FAQs
1. What is Vadim Nemkov’s professional MMA record?
Vadim Nemkov holds a professional MMA record of 17 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no-contest (17-2-0, 1NC). His victories include 9 knockouts, 4 submissions, and 4 decisions.
2. When and where was Vadim Nemkov born?
Nemkov was born on June 20, 1992, in Belgorod, Russia. He grew up in the Belgorod region after his family moved from Kazakhstan in 1999.
3. What was the outcome of Vadim Nemkov’s fight against Tim Johnson?
Nemkov defeated Tim Johnson via first-round submission (rear-naked choke) at PFL Champions Series 1 on January 25, 2025, in Dubai. This marked his second consecutive win in the heavyweight division.
4. What titles has Vadim Nemkov held in his career?
He is the former Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion, defending the title five times—the most consecutive defenses in the division’s history. He also won the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix.
5. Who is Vadim Nemkov’s mentor?
Nemkov is a protégé of MMA legend Fedor Emelianenko and trains with FedorTeam. His fighting style heavily reflects Emelianenko’s sambo-influenced techniques.
6. When did Vadim Nemkov start his professional MMA career?
He debuted on June 27, 2013, and has competed for over 11 years across promotions like Bellator, RIZIN, and the PFL.
7. What is Vadim Nemkov’s fighting style?
A four-time Combat Sambo World Champion, Nemkov blends striking, grappling, and submissions. His background in judo, hand-to-hand combat, and sambo contributes to his well-rounded skills.
8. Has Vadim Nemkov ever fought in the UFC?
He has competed exclusively in Bellator, RIZIN, and the PFL. Nemkov is widely regarded as one of the top light heavyweights outside the UFC.
9. What are Vadim Nemkov’s plans after his PFL contract?
Though his PFL contract ended in January 2025, Nemkov remains open to re-signing if the promotion guarantees 3–4 fights annually. He emphasized staying active during his career peak.
10. What is Vadim Nemkov’s background outside MMA?
He holds degrees in Personnel Management and Coaching from Belgorod universities. Nemkov also served in the Russian special forces, which he credits for mental and physical resilience.
