Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson are set to face each other for the third time at heavyweight in the co-main event of Bellator Dubai on January 25, after their previous encounters ended in a no-contest and a unanimous decision victory for Nemkov.
Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson are set to clash for the third time. This bout, now at heavyweight, will serve as the co-main event of Bellator Dubai on Jan. 25. The promotion announced this match-up on Wednesday but kept mum about why Nemkov’s initial opponent, Ante Delija, withdrew.
Topping the Road to Dubai Champions Series card is a thrilling lightweight championship battle. Usman Nurmagomedov will face off against Paul Hughes in what promises to be an electrifying showdown.
Nemkov (18-2, 1 no contest) and Anderson (18-6, 1 no contest) first locked horns back in April 2022. Unfortunately, an accidental head clash cut their light heavyweight title fight short.
Seven months later, they met again. This time, Nemkov retained his title with a unanimous decision, marking his third successful defense.
The Russian sensation didn’t stop there. He defended his belt against former UFC contender Yoel Romero and then moved up to heavyweight. There, he submitted Bruno Cappelozza—what a year!
Anderson bounced back with a narrow split decision win over Phil Davis. He went on to reclaim the vacant light heavyweight title in March by defeating Karl Moore in Belfast after five intense rounds.