UNCASVILLE, Conn. – At Bellator 244, Vadim Nemkov became the first Russian fighter to earn a major promotion’s light heavyweight title when he defeated Ryan Bader by second-round TKO . Minutes after walking out of the cage Friday, Nemkov (13-2 MMA, 5-0 BMMA) spoke to reporters huddled backstage at Mohegan Sun Arena. A protege of Fedor Emelianenko, Nemkov spoke about the importance of becoming the first person to achieve the feat for his homeland. “When I was training for this fight, I was actually mentally preparing for the historic value of the fight being the first Russian, not to just win, but to fight for a major 205-pound title,” Nemkov told MMA Junkie through an interpreter at the post-event news conference. “I feel like I made history – a small part of history.” Related Twitter reacts to Vadim Nemkov's title-winning TKO of Ryan Bader at Bellator 244 The victory solidified Nemkov’s place, but the Russian champion also thinks it secured his slot as not only the best 205-pound fighter in Bellator – but in the world.
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