Vadim Nemkov, after rejecting a premature announcement of a fight with Corey Anderson due to contract and weight class issues, is set to face Tim Johnson in his last PFL bout while expressing openness to future opportunities with either PFL or UFC.
Vadim Nemkov was itching to get back in the cage after an 11-month hiatus. Yet, he says the buzz about him facing Corey Anderson on Jan. 25 was a bit too hasty.
Initially, Nemkov was supposed to clash with PFL vet Ante Delija. But then, Delija got injured and had to bow out. That’s when the talk of a rematch with Anderson started swirling.
Corey Anderson later spilled that the fight with Nemkov wasn’t a go, pointing fingers at Nemkov for backing out after initially agreeing. Nemkov, however, insists he never signed up for Anderson as an opponent, but PFL jumped the gun anyway.
“We didn’t even consider him,” Nemkov told MMA Fighting. When PFL announced it, they pushed for better terms—more money or maybe a title shot—but PFL wouldn’t budge.
“So that fight didn’t make any sense,” he added. “You’ve been around; you know every fight has to make sense.”
Their first bout in April 2022 ended abruptly due to a head clash, resulting in a no-contest. Six months later, Nemkov decisively beat Anderson over five rounds.
After defending his light heavyweight belt against Yoel Romero, Nemkov revealed plans to move up to heavyweight. Cutting down to 205 pounds? Too tough now.
Hoping for heavyweight glory, he demolished former PFL champ Bruno Cappelozza. A third dance with Anderson seemed pointless unless the stakes were raised.
“Honestly speaking, what’s in it for me?” Nemkov questioned. Another opponent was on the table, which they agreed upon. Yet, PFL jumped the gun again with Anderson.
“I showed my skills in the second fight,” he stated. “He lost four rounds out of five.” For Nemkov, fighting someone not rated at heavyweight held little appeal.
Nemkov feels he’s proven himself against Anderson and sees no need to revisit that battle without incentives like rankings or titles involved.
“Honestly, if there was something on the line,” Nemkov mused. “But I already beat him.” He critiqued Anderson’s trash talk and preparation.
Now set to face Tim Johnson in his contract’s final bout with PFL, there’s chatter about his future moves post-PFL.
“I’m open to staying if they give me good fights,” said Nemkov. He stressed the need for activity—fighting once a year just doesn’t cut it.
The UFC looms large in discussions about his future since he’s never fought there before. While committed to heavyweight, whether it’s PFL or UFC remains up in the air.
Nemkov is intrigued by potential UFC matchups against top heavyweights. “It’s definitely exciting,” he admitted.