“Vadim Nemkov is another athlete we want to see in Bellator for the foreseeable future,” Cocker said in a statement. “He is an important part of our division, which is the strongest in mixed martial arts. Our Grand Prix has shown that we have the best light heavyweights in the world and we are proud to be able to retain such a talented fighter to lead the division. Looking forward to Vadim’s exciting fights in 2023 and beyond.”
Last year, 30-year-old Vadim Nemkov became the winner of the Bellator Light Heavyweight Grand Prix, defeating American Corey Anderson by unanimous decision in the final match of the competition.
The Russian was supposed to defend his title again on February 4 at Bellator 290 against 45-year-old Cuban Yoel Romero, however, the fight was postponed and it seems that negotiations related to the signing of a new contract became the real reason for the postponement of the fight.