After months of speculation, Vadim Nemkov rejected the UFC‘s offer and re-signed with PFL. Nemkov remains one of the top fighters outside the UFC and will continue competing under the PFL banner.
The former Bellator light heavyweight champion became a free agent in January and evaluated his options. He joined Bellator in 2017, when Scott Coker led the promotion, and was unbeaten throughout his tenure there.
After PFL acquired the promotion, Nemkov vacated his light heavyweight title and moved up to heavyweight.
Many assumed Nemkov, 33, would sign with the UFC for a new challenge. However, the UFC’s offer failed to meet his expectations. He explained that the offer fell short compared to what PFL presented him with.
“There were negotiations with the UFC, but misunderstandings arose, plus the conditions were worse than PFL,” Nemkov said during an interview with Ushatayka (translated). “If I were 20-25 years old, I would probably go to the UFC, but they made it clear to me that they are not particularly interested in fighters from Russia.”
Nemkov signed a two-year contract extension with PFL. Despite his decision, he didn’t shut the door on a potential future move to the UFC.
“I have a new two-year contract. When my contract ends, I’ll be 35 and I can still try crazy things,” Nemkov said. “If I manage to win here against everyone [in PFL] and everything, then I think in two years, there will be a different attitude toward me.”
PFL Chairman Donn Davis Discusses Vadim Nemkov’s Contract
Nemkov staying with PFL also marks a win for Donn Davis. He has faced some backlash after acquiring Bellator, especially as many former Bellator stars requested their release. Fighters like Patricio Pitbull, Patchy Mix, and Aaron Pico all publicly received their release and joined the UFC shortly after.
With several high-profile exits, morale appeared low within the PFL-Bellator merged roster. But, PFL recently regained momentum. The promotion re-signed fan favorite Dakota Ditcheva and now keep Nemkov on their roster for two more years.
Davis emphasized Nemkov’s importance to the promotion. He also hinted at potential matchups for the newly re-signed heavyweight.
“Major announcement. Top heavyweight Vadim Nemkov has re-signed with #PFLMMA through the end of 2027,” David wrote on X . “Nemkov is consensus top-1o world ranked, plus fighter on the rise. Potential fights for him at PFL. Francis Ngannou, Renan Ferreira, Oleg Popov, new signing coming.”
Who Should Nemkov Fight After Re-Signing With PFL?
Although Davis hinted at several possible opponents, Nemkov should face Francis Ngannou first.
The former UFC heavyweight champion made his PFL debut last year, earning a 1st round knockout over Renan Ferreira. That win earned Ngannou the inaugural PFL Super Fights heavyweight championship.
Of the heavyweight competitors under contract with PFL, Nemkov could pose the biggest challenge to Ngannou. He brings experience, knockout power, and a well-rounded skill set.
As Fedor Emelianenko‘s top pupil, Nemkov has proven himself against tough competition. He knocked out Ryan Bader to capture the Bellator light heavyweight championship. Then, he successfully defended his title against the likes of Phil Davis, Corey Anderson, and Yoel Romero.
Since moving up to heavyweight, Nemkov has been dominant. He won both fights by submission, proving he is capable of finishing larger opponents.
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