One of Bellator’s biggest stars will be returning to action as current two-division champion Ryan Bader will be defending his light-heavyweight title against Vadim Nemkov on August 21.
On Wednesday, current Bellator two-division champion Ryan Bader announced his long-awaited return as he posted on social media that he will be facing Vadim Nemkov on August 21. The two were previously scheduled to fight in May before the coronavirus pandemic cancelled the event.
Ryan Bader’s Bellator run has been one of the most impressive seen in the history of the promotion since signing with the company in 2017. Immediately winning the light-heavyweight title in his debut, Bader defended the belt and then went on to have a spotless performance in the Bellator Heavyweight Grand Prix where he defeated Muhammad Lawal, Matt Mitrione, and Fedor Emelianenko all without taking virtually any damage. Most recently, he fought Cheick Kongo in September where a dominant performance was marred by an eye-poke that led to the fight ending in a No Contest. The fight with Nemkov will be Bader’s first fight at light heavyweight since defending it back in 2017.
Russia’s Vadim Nemkov entered Bellator after beginning his professional career in his home country and then accumulating a 3-2 record in a stretch that saw him compete for RIZIN and Fight Nights Global. After signing with Bellator in 2017, Nemkov rattled off four straight victories over the likes of former champions Liam McGeary, Phil Davis, and Rafael Carvalho. Nemkov has not fought since October of 2019 where he recorded the victory over Carvalho.
No other bouts for the August 21 card have been announced at this time. Currently, Bellator’s next event, Bellator 243, is set for August 7 and will be headlined by former champion Michael Chandler against Benson Henderson.
