Bellator 244: Vadim Nemkov stops Ryan Bader to win light heavyweight title
There were also wins for Julia Budd and Valentin Moldavsky
Saturday 22 August 2020 13:14, UK
Vadim Nemkov produced a second-round TKO to beat Ryan Bader and become the new light heavyweight champion at Bellator 244 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut on Friday night.
In doing so he put an end to Bader's six-fight unbeaten streak with Bellator and his reign as two-division champion, while extending his own winning run under Bellator to five.
"I feel like me and Ryan Bader are the top two light heavyweights in the world right now," Nemkov said in his post-fight interview.
"I know there are a lot of top heavyweights in the UFC, but I think we could beat any one of them."
Nemkow took control of the fight in round two when he put his opponent to the floor with a high kick before landing a series of tough shots, only for Bader, to his credit, to somehow get back to his feet.
The Russian capitalised on his stronghold with a string of follow-up shots to floor Bader again, this time referee Kerry Hatley bringing an end to the punishment.
"I was actually more surprised that the referee wasn't stopping the fight," Nemkov added. "I sent him to the canvas three times. I did what I had to do to win the fight."
Julia Budd meanwhile overcame Jessy Miele by unanimous decision to claim her first win since surrendering the women's featherweight title to Cris Cyborg in January, which had ended her 11-fight winning run.
Valentin Moldavsky also beat Roy Nelson by unanimous decision for his fifth successive win in Bellator, while John Salter defeated Andrew Kapel by submission.
Results:
Bellator 244: Bader vs. Nemkov Main Card:
Vadim Nemkov (13-2) defeated Ryan Bader (27-6, 1 NC) via TKO (strikes) at 3:03 of round two
Julia Budd (14-3) defeated Jessy Miele (9-4) via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
Valentin Moldavsky (10-1) defeated Roy Nelson (23-20) via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
John Salter (18-4) defeated Andrew Kapel (15-7) via submission (arm triangle) at 3:11 of round three
Preliminary Card:
Yaroslav Amosov (24-0) defeated Mark Lemminger (1 1-2) via TKO (doctors stoppage) at 5:00 of round one
Sidney Outlaw (15-4) defeated Adam Piccolotti (12-4) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Joshua Hill (20-3) defeated Erik Perez (19-8) via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Weber Almeida (4-0) defeated Salim Mukhidinov (7-5) via knockout (punches) at 3:57 of round one
John de Jesus (13-8) defeated Vladyslav Parubchenko (16-2) via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Chris Gonzalez (5-0) defeated Vladimir Tokov (7-1) via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Lucas Brennan (3-0) defeated Will Smith (3-2) via TKO (punches) at 4:14 of round two
