Vadim Nemkov, the former Bellator light heavyweight champion, defeated Bruno Cappelozza in a cross-promotional event held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The contest concluded with Nemkov securing victory by submission in the second round. This matchup marked Nemkov’s heavyweight debut, adding a new chapter to his storied career where he previously dominated at light heavyweight.
Earlier in the season, Nemkov returned to the cage in Chicago on June 17 to face Yoel Romero. The match went the full five rounds, and Nemkov earned a split decision victory, successfully defending the Bellator light heavyweight title in the process. In August, the reigning champion announced his move up to heavyweight, relinquishing the light heavyweight belt as part of a strategic shift to explore new weight classes and challenges on the global stage.
Across his MMA journey, Nemkov has posted an impressive record of 17 wins against two losses, with one bout previously listed as not taking place. November saw him defend his title for a third time when he defeated American challenger Corey Anderson at Bellator 288 in Chicago, further cementing his place atop the division and contributing to his reputation as a versatile and relentless competitor.
Nemkov also stood out in the broader Bellator rankings, reaching the top spot across weight categories on June 21, underscoring his standout performance and consistency throughout his career at multiple weight classes.
In related developments within the sport, Makhachev played a role in supporting a narrative after Volkanovski faced a setback in defending his UFC title, highlighting the dynamic and interconnected landscape of contemporary mixed martial arts where fighters cross paths across promotions and events, shaping conversations around rankings, legacies, and potential future matchups.